Roketsan confirms KAAN fighter jet program remains on track for 2028 delivery

Roketsan General Manager Murat Ikinci has confirmed that the KAAN fifth-generation national fighter jet program remains on schedule, with no anticipated delays in its 2028 target delivery.

Speaking to the Türkiye daily, Ikinci outlined the ongoing weapons integration efforts and highlighted the company’s focus on adapting its advanced missile systems for KAAN.

Weapons integration and stealth capabilities

Since KAAN‘s maiden flight, testing has continued uninterrupted. This year, Roketsan is prioritizing the integration of weapon systems into the aircraft.

Ikinci noted that KAAN will maintain its stealth capabilities when carrying weapons within its internal bay, but external payloads will compromise its radar signature.

“KAAN will be equipped with advanced munitions inside its internal weapons bay, preserving its stealth features. However, when carrying weapons externally, some stealth advantages will be sacrificed. Our ongoing work focuses on ensuring our smart missiles fit within KAAN’s internal bay and can be deployed effectively from there,” said Ikinci.

Missile adaptation for KAAN and Kizilelma

Ikinci stated that Roketsan is working on adapting key missile systems for both KAAN and the Kizilelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).

“We are actively integrating cruise missiles such as Cakir and SOM to be launched from both KAAN and Kizilelma,” he said.

On track for 2028 delivery

Reaffirming the program’s timeline, Ikinci confirmed that KAAN’s first prototype remains set for delivery in 2028.

He emphasized that Roketsan is aligned with the broader project schedule, ensuring that all necessary weapon systems, including air-to-air and air-to-ground smart missiles, are integrated without delays.

“We have a synchronized schedule for both Kizilelma and KAAN. All of our smart missile systems, including air-to-ground and air-to-air weapons, will be fully integrated. The first prototype of KAAN is planned for delivery in 2028, and we will complete all integration work on time,” Ikinci stated.