Türkiye accelerates domestic engine development with TF6000, TF10000

Mahmut Faruk Aksit, the General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries Engine Industries (TEI), provided key updates on Türkiye’s progress in developing indigenous engine technology.

He highlighted that the TF6000 engine has already been successfully tested, and the focus is now on the TF10000 engine, which is drawing significant interest from potential clients even before its completion.

As Türkiye continues to expand its defense industry, local engine production has emerged as a crucial development. With the country now capable of producing its own engines, it is poised to reshape the defense sector.

Aksit discussed the milestones achieved in engine technology and the future direction of these efforts, emphasizing that engines for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters are now in serial production.

A key milestone for Türkiye

Aksit described the successful testing of the TF6000 engine as a major accomplishment for Türkiye, especially since it was tested last February.

While the TF6000 engine could be quickly made flight-ready, Aksit explained that the primary focus is on the TF10000 engine, given its significance for Türkiye’s defense needs.

The work on the TF10000 is advancing faster than anticipated. Although the engine is still in development, it has already attracted substantial international interest. After completing the TF6000, the number of inquiries from foreign countries has increased considerably

Mahmut Faruk Aksit, General Manager of TEI

Even though the TF10000 is still under development, Aksit noted that there is already demand for it. The engine is expected to be used in cutting-edge unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the ANKA-3, as well as advanced fighter jets such as the Kizilelma.

Indigenous engine for Kaan fighter jet

Aksit also provided an update on the development of Türkiye’s indigenous fighter jet, Kaan, which is set to fly with a domestically produced engine. The Kaan project, which began in 2016, has recently started engine development.

“The target is for Kaan to fly with a local engine by 2029-2030,” Aksit explained. “The Eurojet engine took 17 years to develop. If we took 17 years, we would face strong criticism,” he said.

“We don’t have the luxury of that much time. Our engineers are working within three constraints: budget, time, and weight. They must meet all of these challenges. Given unlimited time, even the least experienced person could succeed, but we don’t have that luxury,” he added.

He also pointed out the rapid progress of the TS-1400 helicopter engine, which was completed in just over six years.

We are confident that Kaan will also fly with a domestic engine.

Mahmut Faruk Aksit, General Manager of TEI

Serial production of engines

Aksit emphasized that TEI’s team of over 2,000 engineers is working tirelessly on UAV, helicopter, and Kaan engine projects. He confirmed that UAV engines have already entered serial production and are being delivered to meet Türkiye’s defense requirements.

The PD170 (UCAV engines) have proven themselves. These engines are now in serial production, and we continue to improve them with the latest technologies.

Mahmut Faruk Aksit, General Manager of TEI

Regarding helicopter engines, Aksit announced that the TS1400 engine, which powers the Gokbey helicopter, has completed its first flight. Preparations for serial production are now in the final stages.

“Once the certification process is complete, we will begin serial production of these engines. We have overcome critical milestones in the development of helicopter engines,” Aksit stated.

Türkiye has successfully mastered this technology.

Mahmut Faruk Aksit, General Manager of TEI