Türkiye’s KAAN set to become 1st fighter jet equipped with AI machine learning library

Türkiye’s National Combat Aircraft (MMU) KAAN is set to become the first fighter jet in the world to incorporate an artificial intelligence-powered machine learning library into its avionics system, according to the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TUBITAK) AI Institute Director Mehmet Haklidir, as reported by Türkiye daily.

During a visit by the Parliamentary Artificial Intelligence Commission to TUBITAK, Haklidir shared key updates on KAAN’s AI capabilities, emphasizing its potential to revolutionize air combat systems.

AI-powered avionics system in KAAN fighter jet

Haklidir confirmed that KAAN will be equipped with a machine-learning library specifically developed for the aircraft.

“We are developing a Machine Learning Library for the National Combat Aircraft for the first time in the world for a combat avionics system,” he stated.

According to Haklidir, the land-based portion of the AI system has been fully completed. The airborne segment operates on a real-time operating system and currently runs AI models on both a central processing unit (CPU) and a graphics processing unit (GPU).

He further noted that the team is finalizing the AI system’s integration with Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA).

A global first in AI combat capabilities

Haklidir highlighted that once KAAN takes flight, it will be the first combat aircraft globally to use a machine learning library in its avionics system.

“As soon as our National Combat Aircraft takes off, it will mark the first instance of a fighter jet utilizing a machine learning library,” he added.

Türkiye’s KAAN 5th generation fighter jet development project

Türkiye’s first homegrown, fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN’s development project, initiated to produce a domestically designed and developed fighter aircraft to replace the F-16 aircraft in the inventory of the Turkish Air Force, which is planned to be phased out gradually starting from the 2030s, is led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) as the main contractor.

Turkish Fighter KAAN Development Project Agreement was signed with the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) on Aug. 5, 2016. KAAN is expected to offer “superior capabilities” for both air-to-air and air-to-ground combat missions.

Following the completion of production and assembly activities for the prototype of the Turkish Fighter KAAN, ground testing began. After completing the testing phase, KAAN successfully performed its maiden flight on Feb. 21, 2024, staying airborne for 13 minutes. During this flight, KAAN reached an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 230 knots.

KAAN’s second test flight took place on May 6, 2024, lasting 14 minutes, during which it climbed to 10,000 feet and reached a speed of 230 knots.