Türkiye’s KAAN fighter jet set for deployment by 2030

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) plans to deliver Türkiye’s first homegrown fighter jet, KAAN, to the country’s air force by 2030, positioning Türkiye as a global leader in sixth-generation fighter technology.

KAAN fighter jet to strengthen Turkish Air Force

The KAAN project, launched in 2016, is on track for its first deliveries within the next five years, according to TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroglu. At a recent defense expo, Demiroglu emphasized that KAAN will feature state-of-the-art technologies, including AI integration, advanced sensors, and the capability to work with unmanned platforms.

“KAAN is the king of the skies,” Demiroglu said on the sidelines of a recent SAHA defense expo in Istanbul. “It will have pretty much everything a flying platform can offer,” he said.

Initially designed as a fifth-generation jet, KAAN is expected to surpass those specifications with future iterations. “We’re at the forefront – among the top two or three globally – in developing sixth-generation technology,” Demiroglu stated, adding that TAI is already testing these advanced systems on its ANKA III combat drone and Hurjet trainer jet.

Advanced capabilities and strategic importance

KAAN is designed to replace Türkiye’s aging fleet of F-16s, marking a significant shift towards self-reliance in defense technology. Equipped with stealth capabilities and twin engines capable of generating 13,000 kilograms of thrust, the aircraft can reach speeds of up to Mach 1.8. The fighter jet’s development is expected to play a key role in Türkiye’s defense strategy, reducing reliance on imports.

Expanding international interest

TAI’s advancements in sixth-generation fighter technology have attracted the attention of several international partners. Countries in Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Europe have expressed interest in collaborating with TAI, seeking to understand the rapid progress Türkiye has made in its aviation sector.

Technology sharing, global defense alignment

Demiroglu highlighted TAI’s commitment to technology-sharing with allied nations, stating that these partnerships align with Türkiye’s foreign policy objectives. KAAN’s development and deployment not only reflect a national achievement but also signal a strategic shift in global defense alliances.