Turkey’s 5th-Generation Fighter Jet “KAAN” to Begin Weapon Systems Testing in 2026

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter jet, the KAAN, is expected to commence operational testing of its onboard weapons systems, including missiles and precision-guided bombs, in 2026.

This milestone comes two years ahead of the first KAAN jet’s scheduled delivery to the Turkish Air Force.

Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the KAAN fifth generation fighter jet will be equipped with advanced weaponry such as the CAKIR cruise missile, TOLUN Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), and GOKDOGAN and BOZDOGAN air-to-air missiles.

The aircraft will also feature state-of-the-art systems including the TULGAR Helmet Integrated Imaging System, MURAD AESA radar, KARAT Infrared Search and Tracking System (IRST), and the YILDIRM Directed Infrared Countermeasure System.

Turkey’s defense industry is intensifying efforts to develop the weapon systems, sensors, and avionics to be integrated into its fifth-generation fighter aircraft.

According to reports, the KAAN prototype is expected to conduct its third test flight by the end of this year.

The first prototype, designated P0, made its maiden flight on February 21 this year, followed by a second flight on May 6, during which it remained airborne for 14 minutes at an altitude of 10,000 feet, flying at 230 knots, according to the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB).

TAI is ramping up production of KAAN prototypes at its Kahramankazan facilities, with the second and third prototypes (P1 and P2) slated to take to the skies by late next year.

By 2026, TAI plans to build three additional prototypes, P3, P4, and P5, bringing the total to six.

The Turkish Air Force is expected to receive over 100 KAAN fighter jets once mass production begins.

Newly appointed TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroglu stated in July that the company plans to supply approximately 150 KAAN aircraft to allied nations interested in acquiring the advanced fighter jet.

In total, TAI anticipates orders for 250 to 300 units globally.

Turkey launched the KAAN development program in 2016, aiming to replace its aging fleet of over 200 F-16 fighter jets.

TAI is set to deliver 20 KAAN Block 10 jets to the Turkish Air Force by 2028, with production ramping up to two jets per month by 2029.

This is expected to generate annual revenues of approximately $2.4 billion (RM9.6 billion).

Previously a partner in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program, Turkey was set to procure 100 F-35s and produce around 900 components for the aircraft.

However, Turkey’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 “Triumf” air defense system led to its removal from the program and a ban on purchasing the F-35.

The U.S. expressed concerns that the S-400 system could compromise sensitive information about the F-35’s capabilities.

Despite these challenges, Turkey’s defense industry continues to push forward with the KAAN program, solidifying its ambitions to establish a robust indigenous defense manufacturing capability. – DSA