Turkiye’s Gen-5 Fighter Jet “KAAN” Completes Critical Afterburner Engine Test
The afterburner test validated the KAAN engine’s ability to withstand extreme conditions such as high temperatures, structural vibrations, and intense pressure.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Turkiye’s fifth-generation fighter aircraft, “KAAN,” has successfully completed ground tests assessing the capabilities of its afterburner engine, signaling readiness for its third flight test in the near future.
This critical evaluation highlights the performance and resilience of the locally developed fighter aircraft, a product of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
The afterburner test validated the KAAN engine’s ability to withstand extreme conditions such as high temperatures, structural vibrations, and intense pressure.
Additional systems, including fuel and hydraulic mechanisms, exhaust outlet temperatures, and combat control units, were also tested to ensure operational readiness.
The success of these trials underscores the steady progress of the KAAN development program and Turkiye’s growing capabilities in producing advanced defense technologies.
The first prototype, designated P0, achieved its maiden flight on February 21, 2023, followed by a second flight on May 6, 2023.
Preparations are now underway for the jet’s third test flight.
Turkiye’s Air Force is expected to acquire more than 100 KAAN fighter jets once mass production begins.
The program, launched in 2016, aims to replace over 200 aging F-16 aircraft.
TAI plans to deliver the first 20 KAAN Block 10 units by 2028 and ramp up production to two units per month by 2029, generating annual revenues of approximately $2.4 billion.
Initially a partner in the F-35 program, Turkiye had planned to procure 100 of the Lockheed Martin fighter aircraft while producing approximately 900 components for the program.
Despite paying $1.4 billion in advance, Turkiye was removed from the F-35 initiative due to its acquisition of Russia’s S-400 missile defense system, which the U.S. feared could compromise the F-35’s sensitive technology.
The KAAN project now stands as a testament to Turkiye’s commitment to advancing its indigenous defense industry, ensuring its strategic autonomy in military aviation. — DSA
