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Türkiye unveiled new prototypes of its homegrown KAAN combat aircraft on Friday, Feb. 13, as the Secretariat of Defense Industries (SSB) confirmed it is initiating the contractual process for deliveries to the Turkish Air Force (TurAF), marking a formal step toward transitioning from development to production planning.
Defense Industries President Haluk Gorgun visited the KAAN hangar, where a full-scale static test aircraft was displayed alongside the prototype that completed its maiden flight in 2024 and a second prototype, which is preparing for flight.
"Today we witnessed another very valuable step in the National Combat Aircraft KAAN Project," Gorgun said.
He emphasized that the rollout of the aircraft, intended for full-size static testing, alongside the first and second flight prototypes appearing together, represents both a significant technical milestone and a concrete demonstration of the work of thousands of people.
The simultaneous presence of these platforms indicates that flight testing, structural validation, and production preparation activities are progressing in parallel, signaling a maturing development framework.
Gorgun stated that KAAN stands beyond a mere aircraft as "a symbol of Türkiye's engineering prowess and independent defense capabilities."
"When you look at KAAN's technical capabilities—from the speed it will achieve to stealth technology, from electronic warfare capability to multi-mission capabilities—it is possible to say that it will be a member of the elite combat aircraft class, of which there are only a handful in the world," he added.
The aircraft features low observability, internal weapon bays, advanced avionics architecture, enhanced situational awareness and sensor fusion for superior performance in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
Defense industry analysts examining the new prototype images identified multiple design changes compared to the initial P0 prototype.
Observations cited by analysts include a new canopy and nose design, repositioned air intakes moved closer to the cockpit level, updated landing gear, an integrated Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), and conformal antennas throughout the airframe.
Analysts noted a wider spacing between the engines compared to P0, suggesting greater internal weapons capacity.
The vertical stabilizer tips appear to contain radomes, potentially housing electronic warfare or electronic support measures equipment.
One analyst noted, "The air intake duct position, the final state of the landing gear, and the increased width between the engines are all very important. The new situation means more internal weapon carrying capacity."
The design changes also increase the likelihood of a rear-facing radar capability, which would provide both target detection and jamming capability against hostile radars.
Gorgun later noted that KAAN is being developed in phases with capability enhancements, particularly the development of a domestic engine.
"KAAN, which we are developing in phases with capability enhancements, especially the development of our domestic engine, is adding new capabilities to our country's defense and aviation industry infrastructure every day, carrying our country to the league of select countries in the world," he said.
Following the first flight in 2024, development and production processes continue uninterrupted while simultaneously advancing operational capabilities for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T).
Defense Industries President described KAAN as "a strategic project that carries the character of a development and technology leap."
"KAAN also serves as a catalyst that simultaneously strengthens our infrastructure, human resources and technology accumulation in a coordinated manner, running design, production, test infrastructure and human resources together in a long-term technology program," he noted.
The domestic supply chain for KAAN currently consists of more than 5,000 employees working across over 300 companies in over 20 cities, Gorgun said.
"KAAN is the success of a wide ecosystem," he emphasized, thanking all engineers, technicians and stakeholders who contributed to the project.
Authorities are rapidly carrying out preparations for mass production in parallel with current testing phases.
"In the coming period, we will continue test, qualification and production preparations with the same determination, and we will unite KAAN step by step with our sky homeland with more advanced capabilities," Gorgun said.
"With Allah's permission, we will continue to march determinedly toward our goal of full independence in the defense industry in the Century of Türkiye," he concluded
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