(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — Turkey has openly offered its fifth-generation fighter jet, “KAAN,” currently under development, to Malaysia, to assist the Southeast Asian country in enhancing its air defense.
In a written interview with Malaysia’s national news agency, BERNAMA on the sidelines of DSA 2024, President of the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB) Prof Haluk Gorgun stated that Malaysia could access the latest technology and expertise in the defense field by partnering with Turkey.
This collaboration, he said, would accelerate Malaysia’s defense capabilities and promote the growth of its local defense industry.
“We are open to cooperating with Malaysia, a friendly and fraternal country, in development projects, including the ‘KAAN’ project initiated by Turkey. We are also open to sharing our experiences from the new generation basic training aircraft ‘HURKUS’ and the light fighter aircraft ‘HURJET’ with Malaysia.”
“At the same time, Turkey can benefit from Malaysia’s contributions in areas such as research and development, manufacturing capabilities, and regional knowledge,” he said, expressing confidence in the positive impact of this cooperation on bilateral relations and regional security.
He stated that as a Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MRCA), “KAAN” is capable of carrying out various missions including air-to-air, air-to-ground, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare, thereby providing Malaysia with options to address various security challenges.
“The operability of KAAN with NATO systems and the potential for technology transfer provide an opportunity for Malaysia to smoothly integrate the aircraft into its defense infrastructure through cooperation with Turkey.”
“In general, investment in KAAN will significantly enhance Malaysia’s air superiority, strengthen bilateral defense relations, and contribute to regional security and stability in Southeast Asia,” he said as quoted by Bernama.
The development program of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft “KAAN” is being carried out by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
On February 21, the fifth-generation fighter aircraft “KAAN” successfully conducted its maiden flight, marking another milestone in the country’s aviation and defense industry.
The maiden flight of the “KAAN” fighter aircraft also ensured that Turkey joins a handful of countries in the world capable of independently developing fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
“KAAN” joins other fifth-generation aircraft in the market such as the F-22 “Raptor,” F-35 made in the United States, China’s J-20 “Mighty Dragon” and J-31, and Russia’s Su-57 “Felon.”
Turkey, a NATO member, launched the development project of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft “KAAN” in 2016.
KAAN was previously known as TF-X or Milli Muharip Ucak (National Combat Aircraft – MMU).
Almost 100 percent of Turkey’s fifth-generation aircraft is developed by its own defense industry, except for some parts such as the ejection seat, engine, and joystick.
However, all three foreign components of the KAAN aircraft will be replaced with Turkish-made components as the aircraft development enters a more advanced phase.
During the current flight test period, all KAAN prototype aircraft will use the GE company’s F110 engine before being completely replaced with a turbofan engine being developed by the local company, TEI (TUSAS Engine Industries).
Turkish engine manufacturer TEI has stated that the domestically-produced engine for Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft “KAAN” is nearly ready.
TEI is a joint venture between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and General Electric Aerospace (GE Aerospace).
“The TF10000 engine, which will produce 6,000 lbf thrust, will equip many manned and unmanned platforms, including the KAAN fighter aircraft, and is almost ready,” said TEI’s chairman, Mahmut Faruk Aksit, to local media in Turkey recently.
TAI, the main contractor for the development program of the fifth-generation fighter aircraft “KAAN,” is reported to deliver a total of 20 KAAN Block 10 fighter aircraft to the Turkish Air Force by 2028.
By 2029, TAI is expected to produce two KAAN fighter aircraft per month, generating approximately US$2.4 billion (RM9.6 billion) in revenue each year.
The fifth-generation fighter aircraft KAAN is set to replace more than 200 F-16 fighter aircraft in the Turkish Air Force. — DSA