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TAI Engine Industries (TEI), Türkiye's state-backed aerospace engine manufacturer, has published the first official image and technical specifications of the TF35000, a new indigenous turbofan engine designed to power the country's fifth-generation fighter aircraft, KAAN.
The TF35000, unveiled on May 15, represents one of the Turkish defense industry's most significant breakthroughs in aviation propulsion technology. Developed under the auspices of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the engine aims to fulfill Türkiye's goal of technological sovereignty in high-thrust propulsion systems.
The TF35000 turbofan engine is designed to produce 35,000 pounds of thrust, making it Türkiye's most powerful domestically produced engine to date, according to Army Recognition. This output places it in the same class as engines used in advanced NATO fighter aircraft.
Engineered specifically for fifth-generation fighter requirements, the engine incorporates several cutting-edge technologies, including high-temperature-resistant superalloys, advanced thermal barrier coatings, and innovative cooling systems. These features enable superior temperature management and efficiency while providing the necessary thrust for supersonic flight and high maneuverability.
"The TF35000 is designed to meet KAAN's fundamental requirements of high maneuverability, low fuel consumption, and extended range," TEI officials stated in their announcement. "The engine provides both superior performance and durability required by fifth-generation fighter aircraft."
The development of the TF35000 marks a critical milestone in Türkiye's pursuit of self-sufficiency in defense technologies. Currently, KAAN prototypes are powered by General Electric F110 engines, which remain under U.S. export control.
By contrast, the indigenous TF35000 is being developed entirely by Turkish engineers using domestic materials and proprietary technologies. This grants Türkiye complete authority over upgrades, maintenance, and integration with other national systems—a strategic advantage highlighted by recent geopolitical tensions and occasional arms transfer restrictions within NATO.
The TF35000's targeted 35,000 pounds of thrust matches the output of the Pratt & Whitney F119 engine used in the American F-22 Raptor and exceeds the capabilities of several Western counterparts, including the Eurofighter Typhoon's EJ200 (26,000 lbf) and the Rafale's M88 (17,000-20,000 lbf).
Only the F-35's F135 engine, with 43,000 pounds of thrust in afterburner, surpasses it, placing the TF35000 firmly within the top tier of military turbofan engines globally.
TEI has established a comprehensive ecosystem to support the engine development process, covering design, production, and testing phases. This approach builds upon nearly two decades of aerospace propulsion work by the company, which has previously produced critical subsystems for engines like the T700 turboshaft used on Turkish Black Hawks, that is, T-70s and T129 ATAK helicopters.
"Through its efforts in gas turbine engine technologies, TEI has made significant gains in engine components, advanced material technologies, test infrastructures, and production capabilities," the company noted in its announcement.
This integrated domestic capability distinguishes the TF35000 from many regional projects, which often rely on foreign assembly or integration support.
Beyond powering the KAAN fighter, the TF35000 could potentially serve as an exportable engine platform for allied air forces seeking alternatives to Western propulsion systems. This would further strengthen Türkiye's position in the global aviation market and enhance its defense industry's competitive edge.
The TF35000 engine program is expected to continue development. When fully operational, it will provide Türkiye with a domestically controlled propulsion system competitive with the most advanced NATO platforms.
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