First KAAN fighter jets to join Turkish air force by 2028–2029 PHOTO

The first deliveries of Türkiye’s domestically developed fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet to the Turkish Air Force are expected to begin between 2028 and 2029, the CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), Mehmet Demiroğlu confirmed.

Demiroğlu hailed the KAAN as a “source of national pride,” underscoring the project’s strategic significance and Türkiye’s growing self-sufficiency in advanced military aviation, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

“KAAN is a source of pride not only for us, but for our entire country. Only four countries in the world produce such a fifth-generation aircraft,” Demiroğlu stated.

According to him, the first prototype of the KAAN fighter jet is scheduled to perform its maiden flight in April 2026, with a second prototype expected to follow within three months. TUSAŞ is currently developing three flight-ready prototypes and one stationary model for ground testing, with plans to build an additional three prototypes in the next phase.

Ground tests are currently focused on rigorous simulation and systems integration trials. Following the commencement of flight testing, TUSAŞ aims to have three prototypes airborne by the end of 2026.

“We are conducting intensive tests,” Demiroğlu added, highlighting the project’s pace and ambition.

The KAAN fighter jet, developed as part of Türkiye’s National Combat Aircraft program, is designed to replace the aging fleet of F-4 and eventually F-16 aircraft in the Turkish Air Force, while enhancing the country's strategic autonomy in defence technologies. The jet is expected to feature stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, high maneuverability, and compatibility with next-generation weapons systems.

By Vafa Guliyeva