Turkey conducts first flight of its stealth fighter Kaan. Photo: Twitter @Defence_IDA
The prototype of Turkey’s next-generation combat jet, the Kaan, has successfully completed its inaugural flight.
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Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the Kaan represents Turkey’s most ambitious technological endeavor aimed at bolstering the country’s defense capabilities and enhancing its strategic position on the global stage.
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Accompanied by a Turkish Air Force F-16D Fighting Falcon (TurAF), the Kaan conducted its first flight in the early hours of Wednesday.
The fifth-generation aircraft, formerly known as the TF-X, is slated to replace the aging F-16 planes in the inventory of the Air Forces Command, with phased implementation plans starting from the 2030s. Launched in 2016, the Kaan project underscores Turkey’s commitment to modernizing its defense infrastructure and ensuring readiness for future challenges.
Former Chief of Military Intelligence, Lieutenant General İsmail Hakkı Pekin, provided insights into the aircraft’s capabilities, noting that mass production of the Kaan will span a decade. Once operational, the Turkish Air Force is expected to become a formidable air power in the region, with the Kaan playing a central role in its fleet composition.
Retired Air Force Lieutenant General Erdoğan Karakuş emphasized the transformative impact of the Kaan on Turkey’s air defense capabilities, highlighting its superiority in munitions capability compared to F-35 jets. With full production phase slated to be completed by 2040, Turkey is poised to possess a formidable fleet of 300 aircraft, solidifying its dominance in the skies.
Photo and video: Twitter @Defence_IDA
