Türkiye, Pakistan establish joint factory for production of KAAN fighter jets PHOTO/VIDEO

Türkiye and Pakistan have taken an important step in the defence industry by announcing the establishment of a joint factory for the production of the fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN.

Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), the KAAN is designed to replace Türkiye’s ageing F-16 fleet and modernise its defence capabilities, Caliber.Az reports via a Turkish media outlet.

According to an analysis published on the defence portal Army Recognition, the KAAN project is not just a national initiative but also intended for export to Türkiye’s military partners.

Pakistan’s involvement in the project marks a significant move to deepen the defence collaboration between the two countries. Discussions at the Pakistan-Türkiye Industrial Expo held in January 2025 accelerated the cooperation, clarified the project details, and formalized the partnership.

The launch of the joint factory presents both countries with economic and strategic opportunities. Türkiye aims to increase its export capacity by producing low-cost fighter jets, while Pakistan will have the chance to modernise its defence industry through access to advanced technology. The partnership will also open doors to new projects in various defence technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles and air defence systems.

Moreover, this collaboration, a crucial step in the development of Pakistan's defence industry, will strengthen the military autonomy of both countries by accelerating technology transfer. The two nations plan to initiate new joint ventures in a range of defence technologies beyond fighter jet production, including unmanned aerial vehicles and air defence systems.

Let us note that TUSAŞ initiated the KAAN project to enhance Türkiye's domestic defence industry. The aircraft is engineered for air-to-air combat with next-generation weapons and precision strikes from internal weapon mounts at supersonic speeds. It also integrates artificial intelligence and neural network support to bolster combat effectiveness.

On February 21, 2024, KAAN completed its maiden test flight, marking a milestone in Türkiye's defence sector. This achievement garnered international attention, with global media outlets highlighting Türkiye's progress in developing advanced military technology.

By Khagan Isayev