French Press: KAAN, a Major Threat to Rafale and F-35

The French press has described KAAN, Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter jet, as the most serious rival to the Rafale and the F-35.

Published by Aero Haber

13 September 2025, 08:10 published

French Military Site: KAAN Makes Its Voice Heard Worldwide

The French military news site militaire.fr has published a striking analysis about KAAN, Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter jet. The report emphasised that KAAN poses a “serious threat” to both the French-made Rafale and the American F-35.

According to the French source, KAAN symbolises Turkey’s independence in defence technology and stands out with its powerful design showcased in hangars in Ankara. The article stated: “The greatest threat to Rafale is the Turkish fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN, developed across the Mediterranean, whose voice is now being heard everywhere.”

The article highlighted KAAN’s 3.3-tonne fuselage cockpit and underlined that with this programme, Turkey is paving its own path to a fifth-generation fighter jet. The analysis also noted: “This aircraft is a far more realistic rival for the French Rafale than the F-35, which has already become unattainable.”

Meanwhile, France 24 television also gave wide coverage to KAAN’s technical features, stressing the impact the aircraft is set to have on international defence balances.