Accelerating the Development of the Kaan Aircraft
ISTANBUL — Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is actively enhancing the flight testing and speeding up the development of prototypes for the Kaan aircraft. The organization has set a goal to hand over the first of these aircraft to the Turkish Air Force by late 2028.
During a conversation at the Teknofest aerospace and technology festival, which was covered by Turkey’s public broadcaster TRT, TUSAŞ CEO Mustafa Demiroğlu shared insights into the latest advancements of this significant project.
Demiroğlu revealed that the construction of the second and third prototypes is in progress, as part of a plan that includes four aircraft in total for the testing phase. This batch consists of three for flight testing and one dedicated to ground tests.
He noted that the completion of the second prototype is expected early next year, after which it will begin its series of flight tests. “We have recently activated the afterburner on the first aircraft, and we anticipate its third flight could occur around August or possibly before October, although it’s premature to confirm a specific date,” Demiroğlu added.
The initial low production run of the Kaan, including its prototypes, will be equipped with the General Electric F110, an afterburning turbofan jet engine. The plan is to transition to an indigenously developed engine by 2032.
According to Demiroğlu, the second prototype will feature several design improvements based on the feedback and data gathered from the first prototype. These enhancements include changes to the external design, particularly around the air inlets, and internal structural adjustments for better performance.
“Externally, the second prototype will have a slightly different appearance, especially in terms of the air inlets. However, the overall dimensions will remain unchanged. Internally, adjustments have been made to optimize weight and balance,” explained Demiroğlu.
The Ambitious Kaan Program
Formerly known as TF-X, the Kaan program stands as Turkey’s most ambitious aerospace endeavor. It is designed to replace the aging F-4E Phantoms in the Turkish Air Force and potentially its F-16s in the future. The aim is for Kaan to compete with other fifth-generation aircraft in terms of performance and survivability.
Some of the notable features of this fighter jet include stealth capabilities through low radar cross-section shaping, internal weapons bays, the ability to supercruise, and a suite of domestically produced avionics.
The Kaan’s first prototype successfully completed its maiden flight in February 2024. It is currently the only fifth-generation fighter project in Europe that has a prototype in the air.
Demiroğlu emphasized the strategic importance of the Kaan, stating that it will be produced on a scale that meets the operational requirements of the Turkish Air Force. “We are targeting to start deliveries by the end of 2028,” he mentioned. “The Kaan is a national endeavor developed by Turkish engineers and technicians, aimed at bolstering the future security and independence of our country.”
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Jamal Peterson reports on defense, aerospace, and tech policy. With a military background and a strategic mind, he dissects complex subjects with clarity, offering readers sharp, reliable insights.
