The Turkish KAAN fighter, the first fifth-generation fighter aircraft developed entirely in-house by Turkey, has reached a new milestone after successfully completing the first taxi test of its new P1 prototype, as announced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ/TAI) on 31 July: a development that marks a new stage in the development of one of the most important defence technology programmes currently being carried out by Türkiye.
According to reports in specialist Turkish media, TUSAŞ has released new images of the KAAN programme, showing the work carried out during the ground tests of the new KAAN-1 prototype of the Turkish fifth-generation fighter. These tests constitute a crucial phase in the process of verifying the aircraft’s systems and are the necessary step prior to commencing further flight tests, following the first prototype’s maiden flight in 2024.
The fifth-generation KAAN fighter aircraft, developed in Turkey, successfully completed its maiden flight on 21 February 2024. The programme aims to meet the future requirements of the Turkish Air Force and reduce the country’s reliance on foreign suppliers in the field of military aircraft. A total of up to six prototypes of the aircraft are scheduled to be built during its development phase.
Developed by TUSAŞ/TAI, the aircraft is currently fitted with two General Electric F110 engines in its early prototypes (the sale of which to Turkey was approved by the US Congress in early July), although the subsequent phases of the project are set to incorporate domestically manufactured jet engines. The model has been designed to reach a maximum speed of approximately Mach 1.8 and a service ceiling of 55,000 feet, as well as offering high manoeuvrability.
Among the main features of this stealth fighter are low radar detectability, an AESA radar, advanced electronic warfare systems, sensor fusion and a modern avionics suite. It will also feature internal weapon bays capable of carrying air-to-air and air-to-ground weapons, as well as the ability to carry ammunition mounted on underwing pylons. Regarded as one of the most important projects currently being developed by the Turkish defence industry, the aim is to make the Turkish KAAN fighter the main combat backbone of the Turkish Air Force of the future.
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Pablo Gómez is a specialist in Turkey and has been editor-in-chief of Hispanatolia since 2011. He has been analysing current affairs and geopolitics in Turkey and the surrounding region since 2006.
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