US magazine unveils Türkiye's ambitious plans for KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet PHOTO

The US National Interest magazine has published an article about Türkiye's ambitious plans for KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet.

According to the article, with advancements in everything from infantry fighting vehicles and main battle tanks to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), Türkiye’s defence sector is thriving. Among its notable achievements is the indigenous TB2 drone series, which has gained worldwide attention due to its use by Ukrainian forces in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Building on this success, Türkiye is also working to attract global interest in its manned fighter jet programme. The Kaan fighter, previously known as the Milli Muharip Ucak, is currently under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in collaboration with BAE Systems.

This stealthy, all-weather air superiority fighter was recently showcased at the International Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Though Ankara has not confirmed foreign involvement in the fighter programme, TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroglu revealed, "There are lots of interest [from a] number of countries, but these things are taking a lot of time and high-level decisions. It will be a joint program." 

He also noted that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has expressed interest in participating in the Kaan fighter's development. The UAE has long sought to enhance its air force with fifth-generation fighter jets. The country had previously secured a deal to purchase fifty American-made F-35 Lightning II jets during the Trump administration. However, negotiations were halted during the Biden administration due to the UAE's refusal to suspend military-technical cooperation with China. Saudi Arabia has similarly expressed interest in acquiring the F-35, but the US has not yet approved the sale. 

The Turkish Kaan platform could be a solution for both the UAE and Saudi Arabia’s next-generation fighter needs. Türkiye's pursuit of the Kaan fighter program dates back to 2010, when the country sought to replace its aging fleet of F-16 jets. The goal was to create a domestically produced fighter to boost national autonomy and military capabilities. Initially, the Kaan was intended to complement the F-35, which Türkiye was set to join as part of the Joint Strike Fighter programme. 

However, Türkiye was removed from the F-35 project after it procured Russia's S-400 air defence systems, which contradicted US and NATO guidelines. Details about the Kaan fighter remain largely undisclosed, but reports from state-run media suggest that the aircraft will feature advanced capabilities, including networked drone control, stealth technology, and an increased weapons payload for both air superiority and ground attack operations. 

Experts believe the Kaan could fly at speeds exceeding Mach 1.8, outpacing the F-35. However, it remains uncertain when the Kaan will reach operational status or how its capabilities will perform in real-world conditions. 

By Naila Huseynova