Türkiye’s KAAN jet draws global attention, may redefine military air superiority PHOTO

Türkiye’s fifth-generation fighter jet, KAAN, is attracting growing international attention amid claims from US media that it could emerge as a powerful new player in global military aviation.

Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the KAAN is being hailed not just as a symbol of national defence independence but as a potential rival to American aircraft like the F-35, Caliber.Az reports, citing Turkish media.

The KAAN programme has gained momentum following Türkiye’s removal from the US-led F-35 project. The report suggests KAAN’s integration of advanced technologies - such as artificial intelligence and high-performance systems - could make it “not only a viable competitor to American jets, but potentially a superior alternative.” 

Analysts warn such a development could “send shockwaves across the globe.” The aircraft is already drawing interest from countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Azerbaijan. 

Notably, the analysis highlights Pakistan’s potential procurement of KAAN as a strategic concern for India, especially given the effectiveness of Turkish drones in past Indo-Pakistani confrontations. Beyond defence capabilities, the analysis suggests KAAN is serving as a unifying platform among Muslim-majority nations, which have long sought alternatives to Western-made weaponry. 

“Islamic countries, which have struggled to form a defence bloc for decades, are now rallying around KAAN,” the report claims. 

Experts believe the KAAN’s success could propel Türkiye into the ranks of top global arms exporters, especially among nations looking to reduce their dependence on US defence technology. This could threaten not only America’s market share, but also its strategic influence in regions historically reliant on US military support.

By Naila Huseynova