The Turkish Fighter KAAN, developed by Turkish Aerospace with domestic and national resources, has successfully passed another critical milestone. During ground tests, KAAN activated its afterburner system on both engines for the first time. Developed under the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) to meet the Turkish Air Force Command’s need for next-generation fighter jets, KAAN places Türkiye among the exclusive group of only four nations capable of producing 5th-generation fighter aircraft. Boasting advanced capabilities such as superior maneuverability, low radar visibility, an open-architecture avionics design, enhanced situational awareness, and precision targeting, KAAN has already completed its maiden flight on February 21 and its second flight on May 6.
Commenting on the afterburner test, Turkish Aerospace President and CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu stated: “We continue to leave a lasting legacy in aviation history. Successfully activating an afterburner on a jet engine is not just a technical achievement; it is a triumph of discipline and teamwork. This milestone is not merely a testament to today’s success but also an inspiration to pursue even greater goals for the future. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my colleagues who contributed to this achievement.”
The TAI Kaan also called TF (“Turkish Fighter”, formerly known as TF-X) and MMU (Milli Muharip Uçak, Turkish for ‘National Combat Aircraft’), is a stealth, twin-engine, all-weather air superiority fighter in development by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and sub-contractor BAE Systems. The jet is to replace the Turkish Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft and to be sold to foreign governments. The prototype performed taxi and ground tests on March 16, 2023 and was ceremonially rolled out two days later. Its maiden flight, initially scheduled for 27 December 2023 (one day before the maiden flight of the TAI Anka-3), was completed on 21 February 2024.
All three conceptual designs thus far feature a design optimized for low radar cross-sectional density, internal weapons bays, and the ability to supercruise, features associated with fifth-generation fighter jets. TAI’s Advanced Carbon Composites fuselage facility, which was commissioned to produce fuselages for Lockheed Martin’s Joint Strike Fighter (F-35) program, has been tasked with developing an Advanced Carbon Composite fuselage for the TF-X. The Turkish Defence Industry Agency has also issued a tender for the development of a new lighter carbon composite thermoplastic for the TF-X fuselage. Prototypes and the first batch of aircraft will be equipped with General Electric F110 engines until the TAEC engine, a joint venture between the Turkish KALE & British Rolls-Royce, is completed and ready.
