Türkiye unveils turbofan engine design for indigenous KAAN fighter jet PHOTO/VIDEO

Türkiye has unveiled the design of the TF35000, a domestically developed turbofan engine intended to power the KAAN, the nation's fifth-generation combat aircraft.

This development marks a significant milestone in Türkiye's efforts to enhance its defence capabilities and reduce reliance on foreign technology, Caliber.Az reports citing official X account of Defence Turk.

🛡️🇹🇷TF35000’de yüksek sıcaklıklara dayanımlı süper alaşımlar, ileri kaplama ve soğutma teknolojileri kullanılacak. Motor geliştirme sürecinde tasarım, üretim ve test aşamalarını da destekleyecek bir ekosistem oluşturulmaktadır. https://t.co/1T7N7LeK4O pic.twitter.com/C521TbTjh1

— Defence Turk (@Defence_Turk) May 15, 2025

The TF35000 engine is being developed under the coordination of Türkiye's Defence Industries Directorate, with research and development efforts led by TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI) and TRMotor. The engine is designed to produce 35,000 pounds of thrust, meeting the performance requirements of the KAAN fighter jet. It will incorporate advanced technologies, including heat-resistant superalloys, advanced coating, and cooling systems, to ensure optimal performance and durability.

The development of the TF35000 is part of Türkiye's broader strategy to achieve self-sufficiency in defence technologies. The project aims to replace the aging fleet of F-16 aircraft with the domestically produced KAAN, which is scheduled to enter service in the early 2030s. The first flight of the KAAN took place in 2024, and mass production is planned to commence in 2028.

The TF35000 engine is expected to be one of the most advanced in its class, positioning Türkiye among a select group of countries capable of developing and producing fifth-generation fighter jet engines. The successful development and integration of the TF35000 into the KAAN will not only enhance Türkiye's air combat capabilities but also bolster its position in the global defence industry.

As Türkiye continues to advance its indigenous defence technologies, the TF35000 engine represents a significant step toward achieving greater autonomy and strengthening national security.

By Vafa Guliyeva