(VIDEO) Turkish Fifth-Gen Fighter Jet “KAAN” Completes Second Flight

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — “KAAN,” the fifth-generation fighter jet developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has successfully completed its second flight, several months after its maiden flight in February.

The “KAAN” fighter jet made its second flight early on Monday and managed to stay in the air for 14 minutes, flying at an altitude of 10,000 feet with a speed of 230 knots, according to a statement released by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) of the country.

Its maiden flight on February 21 ensured that Turkey joins a handful of countries in the world capable of developing their own fifth-generation fighter jets.

“Today (Monday), we witnessed another historic day in the history of Turkish aviation and Turkish defense,” said SSB head Haluk Gorgun.

“This flight, like the first, was highly successful. The data obtained today will be evaluated by the entire team, and preparations for the next flights will continue,” he said.

A NATO member, Turkey launched the development project of the fifth-generation fighter jet “KAAN” in 2016.

Ankara intensified efforts to develop its own fifth-generation fighter jet after being expelled from the F-35 program for persisting in its desire to purchase the Russian-made S-400 “Triumf” air defense system.

As a partner in the F-35 fighter jet development program, Turkey had agreed to acquire 100 F-35 fighter jets, but its participation in the Lockheed Martin-made fifth-generation fighter jet program was terminated following its decision to purchase the Russian-made S-400 “Triumf” air defense system.

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 when the aircraft development enters a more advanced phase.

During the current flight test period, all KAAN prototype aircraft will use GE’s F110 engines before being fully replaced with turbofan engines being developed by local company TEI (TUSAS Engine Industries).

Turkish engine maker TEI has stated that the domestically made engine for Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter jet “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 of thrust and will equip many manned and unmanned platforms, including the KAAN fighter jet, is almost ready,” said TEI’s chairman, Mahmut Faruk Aksit, to local media recently.

TAI, the main contractor for the development program of the fifth-generation fighter jet “KAAN,” is reportedly set to deliver a total of 20 KAAN Block 10 fighter jets to the Turkish Air Force in 2028.

By 2029, TAI is expected to produce two KAAN fighter jets per month, generating revenues of approximately US$2.4 billion (RM9.6 billion) annually.

The fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet is set to replace more than 200 F-16 fighter jets owned by the Turkish Air Force. — DSA