Turkiye KAAN Fighter Attracts Gulf Nations For Joint Project

Turkey’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet program has captured international attention, with several countries expressing interest in potential collaboration. The KAAN fighter, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), represents a significant milestone in Turkiye defense industry and could soon evolve into an international joint program.

Gulf Nations Eye KAAN Partnership

According to TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroglu, Turkiye has seen “lots of interest” from foreign nations in potentially joining its next-generation fighter jet project. Speaking at the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi, Demiroglu revealed that an unnamed Gulf country is “seriously considering” joining the development effort. While no official outside participation has been confirmed yet, these developments suggest potential international collaboration in the near future.

Turkish media reported in 2024 that Saudi Arabia was in talks to procure 100 KAAN fighter jets, though these reports were never officially confirmed by either Ankara or Riyadh. The Saudi kingdom has also expressed interest in other competing fighter programs, indicating the competitive landscape for next-generation military aircraft development partnerships.

Technical Development

Following the successful flight of the first KAAN prototype in 2024, Demiroglu shared that the second and third prototypes are expected to be flying by “the end of the year and early next year,” with intensive testing planned for these aircraft. TAI aims to “shorten the testing period” to meet delivery deadlines for the Turkish Air Force in the 2028-2029 timeframe.

In May 2024, TAI announced plans to deliver 20 aircraft by 2028, with Demiroglu clarifying that deliveries will begin that year. While maintaining this target, he acknowledged the uncertainties inherent in such complex development programs, noting that “the world is in a different place compared to 10 years ago.”

The KAAN is described as a fifth-generation fighter jet with sixth-generation features. TAI is also working on manned-unmanned teaming concepts between the KAAN and Turkish UAV maker Baykar’s platforms, positioning the aircraft at the cutting edge of modern aerial combat capabilities.

Turkish-Saudi Defense Partnership Grows

Beyond the KAAN program, Demiroglu indicated that Turkish industry is engaged in “very, very, very advanced discussions” with Saudi Arabia on numerous projects. Without specifying details, he expressed confidence that during 2025, Turkish firms “will announce at least a couple of big projects” with the Kingdom.

At IDEX, TAI displayed the KAAN fighter jet model alongside the Hurkus 2 trainer and light attack turboprop aircraft, which has also garnered international interest. According to Demiroglu, interest in the Hurkus 2 is expected to grow, particularly since its adoption by the Turkish Air Force signals its quality and capabilities.

Also read this: Turkiye To Begin Production Of 85 Altay Tanks Soon

TAI is currently discussing export deals for the Hurkus trainer and light attack versions with potential customers not only in the Gulf region but also from Africa, Central Asia, and the Far East, highlighting Turkey’s expanding defense export ambitions.

For the next five years, TAI’s strategy will focus on rapid delivery capabilities and cost competitiveness “without sacrificing any bit from the quality,” positioning the company as a significant player in the global defense aerospace market.

Keep connected with us at Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram & TikTok for latest defense happening around the globe.