Türkiye scores “critical threshold” in production of fifth-generation fighter jet President Erdogan says

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that Türkiye scored another “critical threshold” in the production of its fifth-generation fighter jet, as the country's homegrown aircraft KAAN successfully carried out its maiden test flight.

“We experienced one of the proud days of the Turkish defence industry. Our homegrown combat aircraft KAAN successfully completed its maiden flight today. Türkiye crossed another critical threshold in producing a fifth-generation fighter jet,” said President Erdogan during a meeting in the western Afyonkarahisar province, according to Anadolu Agency.

President Erdogan added that Türkiye’s homegrown combat aircraft soared into the skies despite “those who dismissively compare it to a radiator” and those trying to “sabotage” the project.

KAAN, a fighter jet made in Türkiye, successfully carried out its maiden test flight on February 21, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) said.

The first fifth-generation fighter jet manufactured domestically aims to replace the Turkish army's aging fleet.

The latest development makes Türkiye one of only a few countries to own this technology.

The aircraft, under a project begun in 2016, was rolled out in March 2023.