The project is progressing with parallel tests and upcoming integration of a national engine; The country aims at self -sufficiency and strategic export
Turkey has taken another important step in its ambitious fighter aircraft by ordering the sixth prototype of the fifth generation fighter aircraft Kaan, as announced by the Defense Industrial Industry Agency (SSB).
According to the specialized media ulusavunma.com, the new order will allow Turkish Aerospace Industries (Tai) to conduct several crucial test phases in parallel, including wind tunnel tests, environmental impact tests, validation of Avionik, high -speed taxi tests and track runs.
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These activities are considered crucial to prepare the aircraft for serial production and subsequent integration into the Turkish Air Force.
SSB emphasizes that deliveries will take place in phases where each production block will include gradually more advanced capabilities.
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National engine and self -sufficiency
One of the program’s most important milestones is the integration of an engine developed 100 % in Turkey. According to Turkish defense officials, the work follows the schedule. Future versions of the aircraft – such as block 30 and block 40 – are expected to replace the US -produced General Electric F110-Motor with a domestic engine where test flights are planned in line with the ripening of technology.
The Kaan project, which was launched in 2010, has become a symbol of Turkey’s efforts to defense independence and the desire to reduce the dependence on foreign systems. The aircraft is a stealth fighter aircraft with two engines, designed to achieve supersonic speed and advanced maneuverability for both air supremacy and attack missons.
Progress after exclusion from the F-35 program
The development of Kaan was accelerated after Turkey in 2019 was excluded from the US F-35 program as a result of the country’s purchase of the Russian S-400 air defense system. Kaan, who was originally intended as a supplement to the F-35, has now become the backbone of Turkey’s air strategy.
By 2024, the first prototype of Kaan conducted a successful virgin flight over Ankara, which lasted for 13 minutes – two years before the originally planned. This performance was hailed by Turkish authorities as a great advance for the country’s air and aerospace ambitions.
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The aircraft is expected to achieve full operational capacity by 2035, with gradual integration of the Turkish Air Force over the next decade.
Source and Pictures: LuSAVUNA | Turkish Aerospace X@TUSAS_TR. The content is generated with the help of AI and editorial reviewed.
