Milli Combat Aircraft KAAN: A New Era in Defense
**Global interest in the Milli Combat Aircraft KAAN is on the rise, with significant attention from international defense markets. TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu made a notable announcement during an interview for TRT News at the IDEX 2025 defense industry fair, revealing the interest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in the KAAN project. This comes as TUSAŞ continues to strengthen its position in the UAE market, working alongside both public institutions and private enterprises on various defense initiatives.**
In his statements, Demiroğlu disclosed that a contract has been established between TUSAŞ and the UAE-based company Calidus. He explained, “We have reached an agreement regarding our collaboration on the HÜRKUŞ aircraft and how we can jointly enhance the capabilities of the aircraft they are developing. This partnership is a key step forward for both parties.” This agreement underscores the growing technological collaboration between Turkey and the UAE.
Strengthening Ties with the UAE
Demiroğlu further elaborated on the UAE’s keen interest in the ATAK helicopter, noting that their previous tests of ATAK 1 were met with enthusiasm. Following these tests, a high-level delegation from the UAE visited Turkey to experience the helicopter’s capabilities firsthand, leaving a lasting impression on them. However, he acknowledged that the process had stalled somewhat, but TUSAŞ is now actively working to rekindle this interest and accelerate progress in this area.
The General Manager also highlighted the collaborative efforts among numerous Turkish defense industry companies involved in the KAAN project. He stated, “It is entirely reasonable to incorporate external partners for such a large-scale endeavor. We are already in close cooperation with Saudi Arabia on this project, and the UAE has expressed interest in joining these efforts. Their high-level representatives indicated their desire to collaborate on KAAN, which is promising for future developments.”
Future Prospects for KAAN
Looking forward, Demiroğlu confirmed that work on the second and third prototypes of KAAN is ongoing. The second prototype is anticipated to take its first flight by the end of this year, followed by the third prototype in early 2026. These advancements are critical milestones for the KAAN project, positioning it as a competitive new entrant in the global defense aviation market.
Additionally, Demiroğlu mentioned the UAE’s serious interest in the ANKA III drone system, noting prior initiatives from the UAE aimed at this platform. He emphasized that TUSAŞ aims not only to enhance ANKA III but also to explore the development of entirely new platforms in collaboration with the UAE. “The UAE is receptive to this vision, and we look forward to sharing positive updates in the near future,” he added, indicating the potential for fruitful partnerships ahead.
