At the “Turkey’s Aviation Vision” program held at Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ), Prof. Dr. Temel Kotil, General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), announced that by 2028, 20 KAAN fighter jets will be delivered to the Air Force under the directive of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Kotil also stated that after these jets, an additional 8 will be produced, and in 2028, a jet equipped with a Turkish engine will also be delivered.
TUSAŞ’s Aviation Vision
During the event, Temel Kotil provided students with information about Turkish Aerospace Industries and updates on the national combat aircraft KAAN. Kotil stated, “Under the directive of our President, we are delivering 20 jets to the Air Force in 2028. After that, we will produce 8 more. Then, we will make one more, which will have a Turkish engine in 2028. A Turkish engine is being developed. Our young people are very successful in this field. If you want it, you can achieve it,” he said.
Production of Subsystems and Challenges
Kotil emphasized that he has been working at TUSAŞ for 8 years and that Turkey’s biggest challenge is the lack of subsystems. “We have to import subsystems like engines, landing gear, and fuel pumps. Initially, we had an issue with the transmission of the Gökbey helicopter being produced by a German company. The American steel material required got stuck in German customs. Eventually, we solved the problem ourselves and completed the transmission. We need to produce all subsystems ourselves,” he explained.
No Passenger Aircraft Project
Kotil mentioned that they produce parts for Boeing and Airbus but that a passenger aircraft project would require a $5 billion investment, potentially hindering the completion of existing projects. “Our biggest dream is to deliver 20 KAAN jets to the Air Force in 2028 and ensure this aircraft is better than the F-16 and at least as good as the Rafale. TUSAŞ should not start a new project. We are focusing on our current projects: KAAN, Hürjet, Hürkuş, Anka3, Anka2, Anka1, Atak, Atak2, Gökbey, Gökbey’s larger version, and two satellites. Therefore, there is currently no passenger aircraft project. However, if our state leaders decide, we will find the means,” he said.
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