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Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) CEO Mehmet Demiroglu stated that contacts with several countries regarding the national combat aircraft KAAN have been ongoing for a long time.
The 55th Paris Air Show, which started in Le Bourget, one of the suburbs of the French capital, Paris, will continue until June 22.
Speaking to an correspondent at the fair, Demiroglu said TAI participated in the fair with many products.
Demiroglu stated they displayed the multi-purpose helicopter Gokbey, basic training aircraft Hurkus, jet training aircraft Hurjet in the static area, and unmanned aerial vehicle Aksungur in actual size, and explained that there was interest in TAI's different products at the fair.
"We define ourselves as the supermarket of aviation in Türkiye because we have units that produce helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, 5th-generation aircraft, training aircraft like Hurjet and Hurkus, satellites, and products for companies like Airbus and Boeing.
Therefore, we can say we have everything," Demiroglu said.
Reminding that Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto showed interest in KAAN during his visit to Türkiye in April, Demiroglu continued his speech as follows: "Right after that, together with our Defense Industry President Haluk Gorgun, we visited there in May, in Indonesia. A fast process started there, and we signed a preliminary agreement at INDO Defence (fair) in Indonesia."
"This was not a memorandum of understanding, but beyond a memorandum of understanding. It was a framework agreement that determined what it would be, how many there would be, and how it would be," he added.
Demiroglu stated that both sides are working intensively on the details of this preliminary agreement, saying, "Hopefully, we will sign the final contract shortly, within a few months."
Emphasizing that this created a serious impact both in Türkiye and in the world, Demiroglu said there was a demand for KAAN.
Stating that they have studied with different countries, including Spain, regarding Hurjet, Demiroglu noted, "Spain's selection of our Hurjet created a serious echo both in Europe and in the world."
"The Turkish Air Force will use this aircraft for training purposes. Spain also chose Hurjet as the second NATO country. I think this will be followed. Hurjet has a very high potential to become NATO's training aircraft; if not the only one, then one of two," he added.
Demiroglu evaluated that after signatures are signed and Hurjet deliveries begin, other countries will also seriously consider purchasing this jet training aircraft.
Stating that Europe has increased its defense sector spending by very serious amounts due to developments, especially in the last year, Demiroglu said: "As Türkiye, we are very ready for this. We have the infrastructure and product range to meet both our own needs and the needs of friendly and allied countries."
Pointing out that Europe primarily considers procuring defense products from its own market, Demiroglu said, "Türkiye is one of the candidate countries, and because it is present in many parts of the European Union (EU), it has a serious advantage in this regard."
Demiroglu noted they had previous studies with European companies, European aircraft manufacturer Airbus, and Italian giant Leonardo's helicopter unit, and stated that they believe they will meet the platform's European needs.
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