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Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) unveiled a technology-driven presentation concept for the National Combat Aircraft KAAN at the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 in Saudi Arabia, featuring a synchronized demonstration of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities that drew significant attention from international visitors.
TAI departed from the traditional approach of displaying static scale models at defense exhibitions, instead showcasing a dynamic presentation of its Autonomous Wingman Flight concept, featuring KAAN paired with two ANKA III unmanned combat aircraft.
The demonstration, synchronized with video displays on LED screens in the background, shows KAAN and two flanking ANKA III jets emerging from a hangar, executing various maneuvers and conducting attack missions.
"It's a nice concept that will continue to develop, like the 6th generation," said TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroglu.
"We plan to present our products in the digital environment with tailor-made packages for interested parties," he added.
The Autonomous Wingman Flight concept represents Türkiye's answer to the "Manned-Unmanned Teaming" (MUM-T) approach in modern air warfare doctrine.
The concept enables piloted aircraft like KAAN to operate in formation with unmanned jets like ANKA III as a coordinated "wing."
TAI also equipped its booth with four touchscreen displays, allowing visitors to explore products digitally, view 360-degree models and watch videos.
The company plans to use this presentation concept at exhibitions in Indonesia, Malaysia and the United Kingdom later this year, with similar applications planned for the Hurjet and Gokbey platforms.
Demiroglu noted that the digital world allows scenarios to be presented very close to reality.
"We evaluated how we could present our products more effectively, quickly and comprehensively, and this concept emerged," TAI CEO noted.
"We will be able to present a package containing the information a very high-level visitor would want, more detail for those who want to go deeper, but generally a concept that has a taste of everything together. You can do this digitally. Artificial intelligence will be added to this after a while," he added.
"We are appearing before you with such a concept for the first time at this fair," he said.
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In a notable display, TAI exhibited the KAAN model with a Saudi Arabian flag on its tail section, following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's recent statements about potential joint investment with the kingdom.
"KAAN is not just a fighter jet. KAAN is the symbol of Türkiye's engineering capability, of its independent defense will," Erdogan said following his recent Gulf tour to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.
"We received many praiseworthy responses regarding KAAN. As we have more say in this field in the world, such cooperation will certainly increase. Moreover, joint investment with Saudi Arabia is on the agenda regarding this matter. We can realize this joint investment at any moment," Erdogan noted.
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