Turkey advances in the development of the fifth generation Kaan fighter with the consolidation of two new prototypes, identified as P1 and P2, which should enter the testing phase during 2026.
The aircraft were seen in official images released during the visit of the president of the Defense Industries Agency, Haluk Görgün, to the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) factories. The program is considered a strategic priority, especially after the country’s exclusion from the F-35 project in 2020.
The new images reveal significant changes compared to the first prototype, the P0. The P1 version features changes to the fuselage design, including the repositioning of the engine intakes, the expansion of the space for the self-defense sensors and adjustments to the landing gear, factors that could favor the integration of both internal and external armament.
The Tulgar helmet with helmet-mounted display (HMD) system was also identified, confirming the focus on technologies typical of fifth generation aircraft, such as greater situational awareness and sensor fusion.
According to Görgün, the timetable includes full-scale static tests and new flights as the prototypes progress through the validation phases. He emphasized that the design incorporates features such as stealth, electronic warfare, internal weapons bays and advanced avionics architecture. The strategy adopted by the Turkish industry consists of conducting the development, testing and production phases in parallel, with the aim of reducing times and accelerating entry into service.
In parallel, Turkey is investing in the development of the domestic TF35000 engine, which is expected to replace the US engines currently used in prototypes. The goal is to ensure greater technological autonomy and strengthen the local defense industry. Ankara is also working on integrating the 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: @alpha_defense | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
📍 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
