Turkey’s aerospace industry achieved a significant milestone on May 1, 2023, with the successful maiden flight of the country’s first homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet, officially named KAAN. Formerly known as MMU (Milli Muharip Ucak) or TF-X, the aircraft’s 13-minute test flight at the Akinci air base near Ankara captured the attention of global media outlets.
The achievement is the result of over a decade of collaborative efforts between the Turkish Air Force and Turkish Aerospace Industries. The development of KAAN is part of a strategic plan to eventually replace Turkey’s aging F-16 fleet, showcasing the nation’s commitment to establishing a robust presence in the aerospace sector.
The United States-based Business Insider website emphasized the significance of KAAN’s maiden flight, describing it as “a major step forward for Türkiye’s efforts to acquire a fifth-generation fighter.” This development holds particular importance in light of previous tensions with the US over the F-35 fighter jet project. Bloomberg also labeled KAAN’s first flight as a “milestone,” underlining the technological progress and strategic importance of Turkey’s foray into fifth-generation combat aircraft.
The CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries, Temel Kotil, shared the exciting news on Twitter, revealing that the first flight lasted 13 minutes. During this time, KAAN demonstrated impressive capabilities, reaching a speed of 230 knots and an altitude of 8,000 feet.
The KAAN fighter, with a wingspan of approximately 46 feet and a length of 69 feet, is equipped with two General Electric-made F110-GE-129 turbofan engines, earmarked for early production batches. However, Turkey has ambitious plans to develop an indigenous turbofan engine for KAAN in collaboration with local company TRMotor, further solidifying the nation’s position in the global aerospace arena.
The program aims to meet Turkish Air Force requirements beyond the 2030s, ensuring the country’s self-sufficiency in the entire value chain for advanced combat aircraft. The fifth-generation aircraft boasts features such as low observability, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion, advanced data links, and communication systems. The expectation is that KAAN will remain in service until the 2070s, reflecting its long-term strategic significance.
As the initial four years of the program come to a close, Turkey is gearing up for the next phases, including further testing, technology maturation activities, and the production of additional prototypes. The head of Turkish Aerospace Industries announced that the initial delivery of KAAN is scheduled for 2028, with production targets of two jets per month after 2029, totaling 24 jets per year.
The recent achievement has not only garnered attention on a global scale but has also sparked international interest. In a TV interview, the Ukrainian ambassador to Turkey, Vasyl Bodnar, expressed Ukraine’s interest in Turkey’s indigenous fighter aircraft, further highlighting the potential impact of KAAN on the international stage.
In conclusion, Turkey’s successful development and maiden flight of the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet represent a significant leap forward in the country’s aerospace capabilities. This achievement not only strengthens Turkey’s defense capabilities but also positions the nation as a key player in the global aerospace industry, fostering potential collaborations and partnerships on the international stage.
