Turkey is making progress in the development of its fifth-generation fighter, the Kaan, by finalizing two new prototypes, designated P1 and P2, which are expected to enter the testing phase during 2026.
The planes could be seen in official footage released during a visit by Defense Industry Agency President Haluk Görgün to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) facilities. The program is treated as a strategic priority, especially after the country was excluded from the F-35 program in 2020.
The new images reveal significant changes compared to the first prototype, the P0. The P1 version shows modifications to the fuselage design, including relocating the engine air intakes, increasing the space available for self-defense sensors, and redesigning the landing gear, which may favor the integration of both internal and external armaments.
The Tulgar helmet has also been identified with a helmet-mounted display (HMD) system, confirming the emphasis on technologies typical of fifth-generation aircraft, such as enhanced situational awareness and sensor fusion.
According to Görgün, the schedule calls for performing full-scale static tests and additional flights as the prototypes progress through the validation phases. He highlighted that the project includes features such as stealth capabilities, electronic warfare, internal weapons bays and advanced avionics architecture. The strategy used by the Turkish industry is based on the parallel implementation of development, testing and production in order to reduce deadlines and speed up commissioning.
At the same time, Turkey is investing in the development of the domestic TF35000 engine, which is intended to replace the American resources currently used in the prototypes. The aim is to ensure greater technological autonomy and strengthen the local defense industry. Ankara is also working on integrating Kaan with unmanned aerial vehicles such as the Anka 3 and Kizilelma drones, expanding the concept of joint operations between manned platforms and autonomous systems.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @alpha_defense | This content is generated using artificial intelligence and reviewed by the editors
📍 Ankara | TAI Facilities
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Within the scope of our National Combat Aircraft KAAN Project, we visited our KAAN hangar and received comprehensive information about the final stage of our full-size static test aircraft and examined the work in the field.
It will make its first flight in 2024 and be the first… pic.twitter.com/mipIGkTtSs
— Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün (@halukgorgun) February 13, 2026
