Israeli defence analyst Shay Gal provided a comprehensive assessment of Türkiye’s recent steps in the defence industry, particularly the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet project. In his analysis published in the Eurasian Times, Gal emphasised that KAAN is a strong indicator of Ankara’s vision for “full independence.”
According to Gal, KAAN has opened the door to a new era in regional power balance, causing significant unease in Israel. The analyst stated that Türkiye’s determination has elevated the project to a strategic level.
“The mistake made with Lavi will not be repeated”
The analysis drew an interesting comparison between the KAAN project and Israel’s Lavi fighter jet project, which was developed in the 1980s but cancelled under US pressure. Gal stated that Türkiye will not follow Lavi’s fate, offering the following assessment:
“Türkiye will not repeat Israel’s mistake with Lavi. Ankara has irreversibly paved its own path.”
Emphasis on the indigenous engine: “The US may slow it down but cannot stop it”
Although KAAN’s current engine process requires US licences, Gal underlined that this does not pose a deterrent obstacle for Türkiye. He stated that the indigenous engine project TF-35 BİN will provide Ankara with a strategic advantage on its path to independence.
The analyst summarised Türkiye’s determination with the following words:
“The US may slow it down but cannot stop it. Ankara is determined to break its chains.”
“TUSAŞ is now at a global engineering scale”
Shay Gal noted that TUSAŞ’s engineering capabilities have risen to a global level and that KAAN is shaping new competitive dynamics in the international defence industry. The analysis concluded with the following striking statement:
“Türkiye is now at the very centre of the race and the game for fifth-generation platforms.”
