Prototypes of KAAN fighter jets undergo system integration, initial flight slated for 2026.

In the realm of aviation, Turkey is making significant strides with its indigenous KAAN fighter jet. The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) have ambitious plans for the sixth-generation fighters, including the development of the KAAN.

The structural assembly of two prototypes is essentially complete, with system integration being the current phase of development. This meticulous work is underway at TAI's final assembly line in Ankara. The first prototype has already entered the system integration phase, while the second followed suit on May 6, 2024, marking a significant milestone in the project.

The KAAN, with a 14-meter wingspan and weighing 34 metric tons, made its maiden flight on Feb. 21, 2024. Staying airborne for 13 minutes, it reached an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 230 knots (approximately 426 km/h). The second test flight further demonstrated the jet's capabilities, reaching an altitude of 10,000 feet and maintaining the same speed during a 14-minute flight.

The KAAN project is not just about creating an indigenous platform to replace the F-16 fighter jets. It also aims to develop human resources and technical infrastructure, fostering a self-reliant aviation sector in Turkey. After 2030, the KAAN will fly with a fully domestic engine, a testament to this commitment.

The Turkish Air Force Command has plans to gradually phase out F-16 fighter jets starting in the 2030s, with the KAAN set to take its place. Approximately 20 KAAN aircraft are expected to enter service in 2029, and six prototypes are planned in total to support the flight testing program.

The new prototypes are slated to fly in April and May 2026, and they will be significantly more advanced than the P0 prototype. Turkey's aviation industry is eagerly awaiting these flights, as they will provide valuable insights into the KAAN's performance and capabilities.

As Turkey moves towards a more self-reliant aviation sector, it also plans to diversify its fighter jet formula while awaiting the indigenous KAAN aircraft. Türkiye's commitment to domestic development is evident in the KAAN project, a testament to its ambition and determination in the global aviation landscape.

Prototypes of KAAN fighter jets undergo system integration, initial flight slated for 2026.