In the defense industry of Turkey, there is an active search for partners, especially in the context of such large projects as KAAN. After Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program, the Turkish Air Force decided to radically modernize the KAAN fifth-generation fighter project. In the new interpretation, the machine received an increase in engine thrust, an increase in payload, an expansion of capabilities for performing air-to-ground tasks, and an avionics update. Turkish authorities have previously stated that Kaan will surpass the American F-35 in terms of tactical and technical characteristics and will eventually replace the F-16 fighters in service with the Air Force.
The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), which has been developing the fighter since 2017 as part of the "National Combat Aircraft" program, plans to launch its serial production by 2028. The only problem is the engine for such fighters. The Turks do not know how to make them, and developing from scratch will take years. That is why it is so necessary to find a technology partner with experience in engine building.
Last year, Savunma Sanayii Başkanlığı (SSB) [Turkish Defense Industry Agency, a subsidiary of the Turkish Ministry of Defense, - ed.] announced a tender for the preliminary design of a turbofan engine for KAAN. Two alliances participated in the tender: Turkish Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI) with Ukrainian Ivchenko Progress and Turkish group Kale with British Rolls-Royce.
A journalist from the Aydınlık publication was surprised not to find any Russian companies among the tender applications. At the first opportunity, he asked the Russian Consul in Istanbul how this happened and whether cooperation with Russia on the KAAN project should be expected, and here is what he heard in response:
In this context, we also want to develop military-technical cooperation. Previously, there were proposals from our side. Work was also carried out at various levels between our official institutions and companies, including on the issue of joint work on these aircraft. Our relevant companies and divisions have stated that they are ready to work together. But of course, specific aspects need to be discussed between specific companies.
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It is reported that the fifth-generation Kaan multirole fighter successfully made its first flight in the sky over Ankara today. Kaan took off from the Mürted airfield and returned to base after a test flight.
It is stated that the fighter can interact with UAVs, and with the support of artificial intelligence, it can provide enhanced combat capabilities.
In addition, it has outstanding air combat capabilities and the ability to deliver precision strikes from internal weapons bays at supersonic speed.
Characteristics of the Kaan multirole fighter:
- Length: 21 meters (69 feet), height: 6 meters (20 feet), wingspan: 14 meters (46 feet).
- Engines: 2 × General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan.
- Maximum thrust: 131 kN with afterburner, 76 kN without it.
- Maximum speed: 2,210 km/h; (1,190 knots).
- Service ceiling: 17,000 meters (55,000 feet).
- G-load limits: +9g / -3.5g.
Avionics:
- Active Phased Array Radar (AESA) system from ASELSAN (BÜRFİS).
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) system.
- Infrared Search and Track (IRST) system.
- Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS).
- Helmet-mounted sight system.
It is also reported that the Ukrainian Ambassador to Ankara, Vasyl Bodnar, stated that Ukraine is interested in purchasing KAAN fighters from Turkey. According to Bodnar, "KAAN has the potential to compete with F35 and F22 fighters".