Newsletters
Ten F110-GE-129E engines for Türkiye's KAAN fighter jet were delivered as of September 2025, with negotiations ongoing with the U.S. government for a second batch of 80 engines, Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler said in response to a parliamentary question from the main opposition, the Republican People's Party (CHP) Tekirdag Member of Parliament Ilhami Ozcan Aygun, Turkish media reported on Friday.
Guler said two subcontracts are in effect between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and General Electric (GE) Aerospace for the engines to be used in the KAAN project.
"Under the first subcontract covering the procurement of 10 engines, 10 engines were delivered as of September 2025," he said, adding that, "The second subcontract covers the procurement of 80 engines, with discussions continuing with the U.S. government."
Turkish Defense Minister also stated that a domestic engine has been planned for use in Block 30/40 platforms of the National Combat Aircraft KAAN project to reduce foreign dependency in advanced blocks.
"On March 18, 2024, the TF35000 engine concept developed by TUSAS Engine Industries Inc. (TEI) was selected," Guler said, adding, "On Aug. 5, 2024, the MMU Indigenous Engine Development Project Preliminary Design Phase Contract was signed between the Defense Industry Agency's Engine and Powertrain Systems Department and TEI-TR Motor Joint Venture."
The preliminary design phase is targeted for completion at the beginning of 2026.
Responding to a question about the S-400 air defense system, Guler noted that the system "is in our inventory for use when needed."
"The S-400 air defense system is essential for our country's long-range regional air defense," he said, noting that, "Regarding F-35 procurement, negotiations are continuing. Additionally, the development of the SIPER system has become important in this context and work has been accelerated."
On the multi-layered air defense system known as Steel Dome, Guler stated that the work continues on the project.
"The Steel Dome Project is not just a weapon system; it is a defense architecture that provides inter-system connection and coordination, extending from sensors (radar, electro-optical, etc.) to command-control units and response platforms. Each weapon and system operates at a specific layer within this architecture," he added.
Responding to criticism about procuring second-hand Eurofighter jets from Qatar and Oman, Guler said a contract was signed for the procurement of 20 new-production Eurofighters in line with Air Force Command operational requirements.
"All approval and permission procedures regarding the procurement of the aircraft, systems and various ammunition are being carried out by the United Kingdom," Guler said.
Work continues on acquiring Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft belonging to Qatar and Oman, he added.
"The aircraft are expected to serve for many years after entering the inventory. If the necessary and required maintenance is carried out in a planned and periodic manner, being second-hand does not create any disadvantage in terms of technical and performance aspects," Guler said.
Set as preferred source
2 min read
1 min read
