KAAN Fighter Aircraft: Domestic Engine Development Plans
**At a recent press conference held by the Presidency of Defense Industries, it was announced that the KAAN Fighter Aircraft is set to take to the skies with a domestically produced engine starting in the 2030s.** During the 2024 Evaluation and 2025 Goals Press Meeting, Defense Industry President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün shared insights with media representatives, unveiling significant developments regarding the National Fighter Aircraft project.
The second prototype of the KAAN is expected to make its inaugural flight in 2025, as highlighted by Görgün. He emphasized that the engines required for the aircraft would be systematically developed over an extended timeline. Notably, he confirmed that a domestic engine would be created specifically for the KAAN, with plans to produce six prototypes within this year. Görgün stated, “We are committed to manufacturing KAAN’s engine domestically, and we aim to deliver the aircraft by 2028, with a domestic engine operational by the 2030s.”
Advancements in National Fighter Aircraft Project
The MMU (National Fighter Aircraft) Project is advancing significantly with the establishment of strategic infrastructures, marking a pivotal move for Turkey’s defense industry. According to the 2024-2028 Defense Industry Sector Strategy Document, critical investments are being made to develop testing facilities, qualification protocols, and to conduct initial prototype assessments.
As part of this initiative, specialized test and evaluation infrastructures tailored for combat aircraft will be constructed. This includes facilities for near-field radar cross-section measurements, lightning safety evaluations, and electromagnetic compatibility tests. Furthermore, large-scale structural strength and fatigue testing setups are planned, along with various integration and qualification test environments for components such as hydraulics, fuel systems, and avionics.
The timely completion of these testing infrastructures is crucial for fostering the necessary expertise, engineering capabilities, and authorizations required for design, qualification, certification, and testing processes. The Presidency of Defense Industries will also facilitate the necessary contracting and financing arrangements to support the establishment and initial testing of these facilities.
In line with these developments, excitement builds as KAAN’s second prototype gears up for its first flight, underscoring Turkey’s commitment to advancing its domestic defense capabilities.
