Turkish Aerospace Industries
TAI Kaan
TAI Kaan is a fifth‑generation, single‑engine, supersonic jet fighter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) in collaboration with Turkey’s Defence Industry Agency. The project began in 2015 as part of Turkey’s ambition to replace aging F‑16s and achieve strategic autonomy in advanced combat aircraft. The prototype first flew on 23 June 2022, demonstrating low‑observable airframe shaping, integrated avionics and thrust‑vectoring capability. Powered by a domestically licensed GE‑J85 engine delivering 17,000 lb thrust, Kaan achieves a top speed of Mach 1.8 and a combat radius exceeding 1,200 km.
Key features include a digital fly‑by‑wire system, active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search and track, and a helmet‑mounted display that enables “off‑boresight” missile launches. Its modular design supports a wide range of weapons, from air‑to‑air missiles to precision‑guided bombs, and its open‑architecture software permits rapid upgrades. Kaan also incorporates advanced data‑link and network‑centred warfare capabilities, allowing seamless integration with Turkish drones, AWACS and ground‑based command nodes.
The aircraft’s significance lies in providing Turkey with an indigenous high‑performance fighter, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, and signalling the country’s entry into the limited group of nations capable of fielding fifth‑generation combat jets.
Key features include a digital fly‑by‑wire system, active electronically scanned array radar, infrared search and track, and a helmet‑mounted display that enables “off‑boresight” missile launches. Its modular design supports a wide range of weapons, from air‑to‑air missiles to precision‑guided bombs, and its open‑architecture software permits rapid upgrades. Kaan also incorporates advanced data‑link and network‑centred warfare capabilities, allowing seamless integration with Turkish drones, AWACS and ground‑based command nodes.
The aircraft’s significance lies in providing Turkey with an indigenous high‑performance fighter, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers, and signalling the country’s entry into the limited group of nations capable of fielding fifth‑generation combat jets.
Classification
Dimensions
- Wing Area
- 62 square metre
- Length
- 20 metre
Performance
- Maximum Speed
- 1.8 Mach number
Production & History
- First Flight
- 2024
- Service Entry
- 2030
Design & Classification
- Primary Use
- Country of Origin
- Manufacturer
- Turkish Aerospace Industries
- Developer
- Turkish Aerospace Industries
- Operator
-
Turkish Air Force
- Wikidata ID
- Q1336692