Turkey Aims to Break into Top Ten Rankings of Global Defense Exports
The Turkish defense industry has been making significant strides, with the KAAN fighter jet serving as a prime example of this progress. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), KAAN is a high-tech system of systems that is poised to revolutionise Turkey's aerospace capabilities, both domestically and on the global stage.
The KAAN fighter jet successfully completed its maiden flight on February 21, 2024, and has since undergone numerous tests, including twin-engine afterburner tests, all of which have been successful. TAI is currently building six prototypes for testing and development, with a second prototype expected to fly in late 2025. Deliveries to the Turkish Air Force are anticipated to begin in 2028, with Indonesia, the first export customer, receiving their first planes over a 10-year period starting thereafter.
KAAN is designed as a fifth-generation multirole fighter jet, boasting advanced features such as low observability, internal weapon bays, AI-supported avionics, and capabilities for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The jet is planned to achieve full fifth-generation status by 2032, with the first Block 10 configuration delivery incorporating most core fifth-generation technologies such as stealth design and sensor fusion.
One of the key aspects of KAAN is its indigenous engine production. Currently, the prototypes and initial production jets use the General Electric F110 afterburning turbofan engine. However, Turkey aims to replace this with its domestically developed TF-35000 engine, which is under development by Turkish Engine Industries Inc. (TEI). This engine, designed specifically for KAAN, will produce 35,000 lbf of thrust, and the transition to the Turkish engine is targeted for around 2032, coinciding with the fighter’s full fifth-generation operational status.
The Turkish defense industry is thriving, with local and national production surpassing 80% over the last 20 years. Companies such as Aselsan, a leading player in Turkey's defense industry, have risen to global prominence, securing the 42nd position in the global defense industry rankings. Roketsan is another prominent firm, operating in Indonesia and representing Turkey at events like the Indo Defence Expo.
Turkey's defense sector now consists of over 3,500 companies, with exports reaching 180 countries. The sector's growth is supported by organisations such as SSB, which promotes startups through exhibition platforms and international promotion. Baykar, a leading drone manufacturer, dominates the global market, holding 65% of the global share since 2018.
In conclusion, the KAAN fighter jet represents a major step forward for Turkey in achieving an indigenous high-tech fighter platform, both for domestic use and export. With a clear roadmap for advancing technology and engine independence over the next decade, Turkey is well on its way to becoming a major player in the global defense industry.
Recep Taylor Erdogan, the President of Turkiye, expressed his excitement about the success of the KAAN fighter jet, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Acknowledging the potential impact on sports, weather forecasting could become more efficient with the incorporation of advanced technologies used in KAAN, especially due to its AI-supported avionics system.
