US‑Turkey rift deepens: Ankara plans new high-tech fighter fleet

According to a US declaration, Turkey has been excluded from the delivery program of the modern F-35 fighter jets. In response, Ankara produced its own (supposedly better) aircraft. Now, specific data regarding the production of these machines have emerged.

Tensions between the US and Turkey began shortly after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. The bone of contention was the Russian S-400 air defense systems purchased by Turkey. The US insisted that these weapons be handed over to Ukraine, but Ankara did not agree to this proposal.

Ultimately, Turkey issued an official declaration (after unofficial negotiations) stating that the S-400 would not be exported to any country, including Ukraine. The main reason for this decision was Ankara's desire to maintain good relations with Moscow.

The US did not leave Turkey's declaration unanswered. In response, the US decided to exclude Turkey from the F-35 production and delivery program. Despite proposed settlements, Ankara did not change its stance. Although, in theory, the exclusion of Turkey from access to the latest fighter jets was a blow to Ankara's military potential, the authorities quickly found a solution. Turkey decided to build its fifth-generation fighter jet. They named it KAAN, and according to Temel Kotil, the CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), it is "better than the F-35".

Now, the Turkish KAAN fighter's producer has spoken with the Gdh TV station about the ambitious plans for the aircraft's production. According to Mehmet Demiroğlu from TAI, the number of orders for the Turkish fifth-generation fighter could rise to several hundred units.

Demiroğlu explained that the Turkish Air Force will buy 100 KAAN fighters at this moment. However, TAI does not intend to focus solely on the domestic market and plans to seek customers internationally.

“Our goal is to deliver the same number, perhaps more, to our friendly and allied countries, about 150 aircraft,” said Demiroğlu. Ultimately, the company expects to receive another 300 orders for KAAN aircraft.

As noted by the Bulgarian Military portal, one of Turkey's potential partners is primarily Azerbaijan, with whom Ankara signed a cooperation agreement last summer. It is also possible that orders for KAAN could come from Pakistan. The first Turkish fifth-generation fighters will reach their army by 2028, with an initial delivery of 20 units. After 2030, a significant increase in production pace is expected.

Little is known today about the Turkish KAANs. According to publicly available information, this currently developing fighter jet will be capable of carrying 22,000 pounds of ammunition, which is 8,800 pounds more than its counterpart, the F-35. Additionally, KAAN is powered by two engines, allowing it to perform better than the American competitor. It is worth noting, however, that at this moment, the KAAN is powered by engines from the United States, specifically the General Electric F110-GE-129. In the coming years, however, they will be replaced by units produced by Turkish manufacturers.