TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu announced that the P1 prototype of the KAAN fighter aircraft will fly by June 2026 at the latest. The target year for the indigenous TF35000 engine is 2032.
Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), made important statements regarding the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) KAAN project during a programme he attended on SAHA Istanbul’s YouTube channel. Demiroğlu stated that the first test prototype in the real configuration, referred to as P1, is planned to carry out its maiden flight at the end of April, in May, or by June 2026 at the latest.
“KAAN Is One of Turkey’s Most Strategic Defence Projects”
Emphasising that KAAN represents a strategic turning point for Turkey, Demiroğlu shared the following information regarding the test process and prototype schedule:
“We are producing a total of three prototypes. P0 was an engineering test aircraft and carried out two flights. Now, with P1, we are starting flight tests in the real configuration. Our aircraft will take to the skies at the end of April, in May, or by June at the latest.”
Stating that test activities are progressing in parallel, Demiroğlu also outlined the timeline for the other prototypes as follows:
- P2 prototype: First flight by the end of 2026
- P3 prototype: End of 2026 or early 2027
Demiroğlu underlined that each prototype undergoes at least 2–3 months of intensive ground testing prior to flight, stressing that no flight takes place before system validations are completed.
F110 Engines for Block 10 Tests, Indigenous Engine for Serial Production
Demiroğlu noted that F110 engines, also used on F-16 aircraft, will be preferred for KAAN’s Block 10 test flights, adding that the request to the US Congress for 80 engines for serial production has not yet been approved. He stated that the tests will continue using 10 F110 engines supplied from the United States, while emphasising that the long-term goal is the indigenous TF35000 turbofan engine being developed by TEI.
Timeline Clarified for the Indigenous TF35000 Engine
Stating that engine technology is one of the most challenging areas of the defence industry, Demiroğlu summarised the roadmap for the TF35000 as follows:
“For the TF35000, the testing and production process will begin in 2031. Our goal is to complete the engine in 2032 and to finalise the majority of the integration in the same year.”
The fact that Demiroğlu is a mechanical engineer who previously served at BMC Power and TEI makes his assessments on engine development even more noteworthy.
Indigenous Engine Requirement for KAAN to Be Exported to Indonesia
Demiroğlu explained that the TF35000 engine is planned to be used in the version of KAAN to be exported to Indonesia, sharing the following details about the project:
- Total project value: 15 billion dollars
- Project model: 3 phases
- First phase: Signed at IDEF in 2025
- Second phase: To be signed during 2026
Stating that the Indonesian side is requesting an ITAR Free engine, meaning a fully indigenous engine without export restrictions, Demiroğlu noted that work is continuing in line with this requirement.
Critical Threshold in the KAAN Project
These statements show that the KAAN project has entered a critical phase in terms of flight testing, engine development and export potential. The flight of the first real-configuration prototype is regarded as one of the most important milestones in Turkey’s goal of developing a 5th-generation fighter aircraft.
