Turkey is moving forward with the development of the fifth-generation fighter Kaan by consolidating two new prototypes, identified as P1 and P2, which are expected to enter the testing phase throughout 2026.
The aircraft were seen in official images released during a visit by the president of the Defence Industries Agency, Haluk Görgün, to the facilities of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The program is treated as a strategic priority, especially after the country was removed from the F-35 project in 2020.
The new images reveal significant changes compared to the first prototype, P0. The P1 features modifications to the fuselage design, including the repositioning of the engine air intakes, expanded space for self-defense sensors, and adjustments to the landing gear, which could benefit the integration of both internal and external weapons.
The Tulgar helmet with a helmet-mounted display (HMD) system was also identified, reinforcing the focus on technologies typical of fifth-generation aircraft, such as enhanced situational awareness and sensor fusion.
According to Görgün, the schedule includes full-scale static tests and additional flights as the prototypes progress through the validation phases. He highlighted that the project incorporates features such as stealth, electronic warfare, internal weapons bays, and an advanced avionics architecture. The strategy adopted by the Turkish industry is to conduct development, testing, and production in parallel, with the goal of reducing timelines and accelerating entry into service.
In parallel, Turkey is investing in the development of the indigenous TF35000 engine, which is expected to replace the U.S.-made powerplants currently used in the prototypes. The aim is to ensure greater technological autonomy and strengthen the local defense industry. Ankara is also working on integrating the Kaan with unmanned aircraft, such as the Anka 3 and Kizilelma drones, expanding the concept of joint operations between manned platforms and autonomous systems.
Source: The Aviationist | Photo: X @alpha_defense | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
📍 Ankara | TUSAŞ Tesisleri
✈️🇹🇷
Millî Muharip Uçak KAAN Projemiz kapsamında, KAAN hangarımızı ziyaret ederek tam boy statik test uçağımızda gelinen son aşamaya ilişkin kapsamlı bilgi aldık ve sahadaki çalışmaları yerinde inceledik.
2024 yılında ilk uçuşunu icra eden ve ilk… pic.twitter.com/mipIGkTtSs
— Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün (@halukgorgun) February 13, 2026
