UK defence official praises Türkiye’s KAAN fighter jet PHOTO/VIDEO

UK Defence Procurement Minister Luke Pollard expressed strong interest in Türkiye’s National Combat Aircraft (KAAN) program during a recent visit to Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), describing the project as a promising example of international defence collaboration.

Pollard, who toured the TUSAŞ facilities alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other members of the UK delegation, received a detailed briefing on Türkiye’s domestically developed fifth-generation fighter jet, Caliber.Az reoports via Turkish media. 

According to Türkiye’s Ministry of National Defence, the visit followed a welcoming ceremony at the Mürted Air Field Command, after which Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler hosted the delegation and presented the KAAN project.

🔴 İngiliz Savunma Tedariki Bakanı Pollard:

(KAAN hk.): “İhtimaller karşısında çok heyecanlanıyorum.” pic.twitter.com/sKTFSjYC9i

— SavunmaSanayiST.com (@SavunmaSanayiST) October 30, 2025

Pollard said he was “very excited” about the potential of Türkiye’s new combat aircraft and the opportunities it could create for future cooperation between the two NATO allies.

Referring to the ongoing Eurofighter Typhoon procurement talks between Türkiye and the UK, Pollard said the partnership represented a model that other NATO members could follow. He emphasised that in an era of increasing global threats, closer defence cooperation among allies was essential to strengthening collective deterrence.

He noted that the UK and Türkiye’s collaboration would go beyond simple arms sales — encompassing shared training, platform development, and joint procurement — which, he said, would enhance the operational compatibility of NATO forces.

Pollard added that Türkiye’s planned acquisition of Typhoon jets would bolster not only Türkiye’s air capabilities but also contribute to the overall security of the United Kingdom and the wider alliance.

By Sabina Mammadli