New Prototypes of KAAN to Take Flight This Year, Deliveries Scheduled for 2029

The development of Turkey’s National Combat Aircraft (KAAN) continues to advance with new prototypes slated for flight tests within the year. Supported by the Presidency of Defense Industries and led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), the project remains at the forefront of Turkey’s defense modernization efforts.

These upcoming prototypes incorporate the latest technological improvements based on data and experience gathered from earlier tests, aiming for extended and more comprehensive flight trials. The prototypes are a culmination of intense R&D activities that began in 2026, showcasing significant progress in indigenous aeronautical engineering.

Officials involved in the project have announced that serial production and the first deliveries are projected to begin in 2029. The development is a collaborative effort involving major local defense companies such as TÜBİTAK, ASELSAN, and ROKETSAN, positioning KAAN as a leading fighter aircraft equipped with fully domestic technologies.

Beyond meeting the operational needs of the Turkish Armed Forces, KAAN is also intended to compete in the global defense market, enhancing Turkey’s defense industry capabilities and international presence.