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Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) CEO Mehmet Demiroglu outlined the flight-test schedule for the KAAN fighter in an interview with FlightGlobal.
The lead prototype remains on track to enter flight testing in the first quarter of 2026.
"Our goal is to finish the first prototype in the first quarter of next year and to start flight tests," Demiroglu said.
A second prototype will fly in mid-2026, followed by a third in early 2027. Six aircraft will support the testing campaign for "thousands of hours" of flight testing.
The testing campaign will lead to aircraft delivery to the Turkish Air Force in an initial Block 10 configuration. "We have promised a very challenging timeline for our air force. We are still shooting for 2028...ish," Demiroglu said.
He noted the exact delivery date depends on factors, including the airframer's supply chain. Supply chain issues have already caused delays to the first prototype's debut flight beyond the end of 2025.
"That is the challenging part, but we are still maintaining that delivery target so that we don't relax," he said.
Indonesia emerged as a second buyer for the KAAN, ordering up to 48 jets. "I am delighted," Demiroglu said of Jakarta's backing, clarifying the commitment's strength.
"It is an order. There are some technical requirements that we need to finalize, but from a decision-making point of view, it is done," he said.
"The details are basically decided in general—the number of aircraft, technology transfer, and the offset requirement—but we are discussing more details and trying to finalize it within a couple of months."
TAI first flew a demonstrator example of the KAAN in February 2024. The aircraft was originally planned for ground-test use only.
"What we have done in the past tells buyers that they can trust Turkish Aerospace, and the fact that the Turkish Air Force has already decided to buy this aircraft for their future use tells everybody that they can trust this aircraft as well," Demiroglu said.
Demiroglu expressed optimism about signing additional customers. "If not this year, then early next year we will hear something as big as Indonesia... from a nearby country," he indicated.
Saudi Arabia has expressed interest in the fifth-generation model. He confirmed TAI has been talking to Riyadh "for a long time, and we are still talking" about products including the Anka III unmanned air vehicle (UAV).
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The company is working to ensure the KAAN will operate with its own Anka III and Baykar's Kizilelma UAV.
"We are working to make sure that both platforms can work together with KAAN so that different mission requirements can be fulfilled by the time KAAN is delivered to the Turkish Air Force," Demiroglu said.
Demiroglu discussed prospects for TAI's Hurjet advanced jet trainer, currently in development for the Turkish Air Force.
Spain plans to field the type through an arrangement between TAI and Airbus Defence & Space.
"Why not expand it to other countries? We believe in our aircraft, and I am sure once deliveries have started, there will be more to follow. One of our objectives is to make Hurjet a NATO training aircraft," he said.
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