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Türkiye's fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet program and domestic engine development continue as planned with no dependency on any single country's engines, Secretariat of Defense Industries Chairman Haluk Gorgun told state-run Anadolu Agency (AA) on Sunday, confirming all prototype engines have been delivered and production continues at full speed.
Gorgun addressed questions about the National Combat Aircraft KAAN project, the procurement process for imported engines to be used in development and first-block production, and domestic engine development efforts.
"The delivery schedule of our KAAN fighter aircraft has no delays," Gorgun stated.
"To avoid risking our serial production, we don't rely on just one source alone; we work with different supply channels and evaluate alternatives simultaneously. Thus, we both secure the schedule and advance our national engine development roadmap without interruption," he noted.
When asked about Türkiye's strategy against covert or open embargoes on products like engines, Gorgun emphasized the comprehensive approach to defense independence.
"The fundamental goal of our Defense Industries Presidency is to ensure full independence in the defense industry and meet the needs of our heroic army with domestic and national solutions," Gorgun said.
"We monitor all open and covert restrictions, carefully evaluate all kinds of limitations that may occur internationally in the defense industry, and mobilize all our capabilities to protect our country's interests," he noted.
He emphasized that Türkiye's fundamental principle involves meeting military needs promptly while implementing defense projects with determination.
"We never remain dependent on a single source, planning and implementing alternative procurement and development options simultaneously. Thus, we both strengthen our technological independence and secure our delivery continuity," Gorgun added.
"KAAN's future is in no way dependent on any single country's engine," Gorgun declared, adding, "We trust our engineers. The TF35000's serial production process continues as planned."
The defense chief confirmed KAAN serial production was planned from the start with domestic engines, not foreign ones.
"In the defense industry, the process always works this way. It starts with existing engines, then national engine projects are activated. We're also producing KAAN with a block approach. In other words, we're developing it gradually, adding versions with different capabilities at different stages to the inventory," he explained.
Gorgun confirmed all necessary engines for the KAAN prototype aircraft have been procured and delivered to Türkiye.
"All engines required for the KAAN prototype aircraft have been procured and delivered to Türkiye. Production of our prototype aircraft continues at full speed," he said.
Regarding the formal application to the United States for the engines needed for the first block of KAAN serial aircraft to be delivered to the Air Force Command, Gorgun confirmed that the process is complete.
"The official application process to the U.S. regarding the procurement of engines needed for a certain number of first-block KAAN serial aircraft to be delivered to our Air Forces Command has been completed," he stated.
He emphasized that development activities for the domestic engine needed for KAAN to gain sixth-generation advanced capabilities continue on schedule, with no search for another foreign alternative at this stage.
When asked about potential difficulties if U.S.-requested engines cannot be obtained, Gorgun expressed confidence in Türkiye's flexibility.
"If necessary, engine changes for the first block are within the realm of possibility," he said.
"While some engineering development needs may arise from this situation, aircraft design and development activities, as is the case worldwide, inherently involve continuous iteration and change management needs. In such a case, I don't think we'll experience any significant schedule disadvantage," Gorgun added.
"We manage our projects with an Agile Systems Engineering approach. However, as I mentioned, our final serial production aircraft will fly with domestic engines," he added.
Responding to criticism about delays in initiating the domestic engine development project for KAAN, Gorgun acknowledged previous issues while emphasizing current progress.
"There was a delay; this was the first issue I addressed. Now responsibilities and the schedule are clear," Gorgun said.
"All our companies taking responsibility are fulfilling their duties on time, and the SSB Engine Department is closely monitoring. Very important progress has been made in the past two years," he added.
He highlighted achievements, including the TF6000 turbofan engine's successful first run for ANKA-III, ongoing TF10000 development for Kizilelma, and continuing development of the TF35000 main engine and APU60 auxiliary power unit for KAAN.
"Considering that development activities for KAAN fighter aircraft's main engine TF35000 and auxiliary power unit APU60 continue as planned, I want to express that considerable progress has been made in the engine field and we can look to the future with confidence," Gorgun stated.
Addressing concerns about the 48-unit KAAN export agreement with Indonesia, Gorgun assured the deal remains secure.
"The 48 fifth-generation KAAN fighter aircraft planned for export to Indonesia will be powered not by U.S.-origin engines, but by our national engines," he concluded.
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