TAI TF-X / Milli Muharip Uçak MMU Kaan

Forest Green said:

Turkish Aerospace eyes full development of local KAAN fighter jet engine by 2032​

breakingdefense.com

Turkish Aerospace eyes full development of local KAAN fighter jet engine by 2032 - Breaking Defense

KAAN flight tests currently feature General Electric's F110 turbofan engine, but Ankara has long prioritized a local alternative to reduce dependency on overseas suppliers.
breakingdefense.com breakingdefense.com
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Prototype engine by end of this year, prototype engine testing in 2026, integration on KAAN by 2032
 
Combat-Master said:
Prototype engine by end of this year, prototype engine testing in 2026, integration on KAAN by 2032
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Here's a direct quote:

“We [have] already started working on” the new TF35000 turbofan engine, Mehmet Demiroğlu, general manager at TAI, told Breaking Defense at Le Bourget, adding that work is being done jointly by Tusas Engine Industries (TEI) and TRMotor. As part of the system’s preliminary design phase, a “conceptual design is almost done,” he added, “and then it will go to initial prototyping maybe by the end of the year.”

Additionally, Demiroğlu said that “some early testing” of the powerplant is planned in 2026 and integration on KAAN could be a reality starting in 2032.
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the flight schedule of the P1 got delayed by a quarter (but we already knew that):
Demiroğlu said that a prototype flight test campaign will be “very active” in the near future based off plans for a first non-demonstrator aircraft (P1) to start flying in the first quarter of 2026, P2 to follow in the second quarter of next year, in advance of P3 taking to the skies by “early” 2027 at the latest.
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Regarding the sale to Indonesia:
At a separate media event, Demiroğlu told reporters that a first KAAN international sale with Indonesia for 48 aircraft “will be finalized [in the] next couple of months because there are some technical requirements that we need to finalize.”
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On additional export orders:
On the prospect of additional orders Demiroğlu added, “I can tell you, if not this year — I’m hoping this year — but if not this year, early next year, we will hear something as big as Indonesia.”
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Combat-Master said:
Prototype engine by end of this year, prototype engine testing in 2026, integration on KAAN by 2032
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Means they aim for six years from 2026 (start of testing) to 2032 (serial Kaan + new engine) ... IMO totally unrealistic!
 
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"During Paris Airshow 2025, Martin Baker displayed its MK18 ejection seat for various platforms, including TUSAŞ’s KAAN fighter and Hürjet advanced trainer.

... The KAAN-specific version of MK18 is designated as T18T. Hürjet ejection seat is displayed as T18X."
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turdef.com

TUSAÅâs KAAN Fighter Uses Martin Baker T18T Ejection Seat | TURDEF

During Paris Airshow 2025, Martin Baker displayed its MK18 ejection seat for various platforms, including TUSAÅâs KAAN fighter and Hürjet advanced trainer.
turdef.com turdef.com
 
Combat-Master said:
"During Paris Airshow 2025, Martin Baker displayed its MK18 ejection seat for various platforms, including TUSAŞ’s KAAN fighter and Hürjet advanced trainer.

... The KAAN-specific version of MK18 is designated as T18T. Hürjet ejection seat is displayed as T18X."
View attachment 775653
turdef.com

TUSAÅâs KAAN Fighter Uses Martin Baker T18T Ejection Seat | TURDEF

During Paris Airshow 2025, Martin Baker displayed its MK18 ejection seat for various platforms, including TUSAÅâs KAAN fighter and Hürjet advanced trainer.
turdef.com turdef.com
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"Martin Baker also displayed the specifications of MK18’s variant tailored for ROK’s KF-21 fighter, KR18A. TurDef has learned that the KR18A closely resembles the T18T model, owing to the KF-21’s similar cockpit dimensions and design requirements. However, there are nuanced differences in the technical details between the two, and the seats are not the same."
 
snne said:
Here’s a good summary of what’s to come in the Kaan program by GM Mehmet Demiroglu, including future developments and milestones.

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Maro.Kyo said:
So the old definition of block 10 has been split into two blocks of block 10 and 20 now? and 6 prototypes in total. Quite some notable changes to the plan if we consider what we were told some years ago. I feel they are really quick in reflecting what they've learnt in terms of programme management and development processes, good for them.
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In his latest remarks, the GM has stated that -similar to the F-35 Block 2B case- it will take until the emergence of Block 20 to certify the KAAN’s IWBs.

The doors, the mechanisms, associated hardware and systems will still be installed on Block 10 aircraft, but it will take some time to certify both the IWBs and the software.

The main difference between a Block 10 and a Block 20 aircraft will be the software.

He also mentioned side-looking arrays (not exactly SLARs), but their existence still remains questionable - at least based on my logic. However, it's worth noting that both past and current GMs have consistently mentioned it.

The development of the national engine for KAAN is now finalized, and we need to complete it by 2032. We believe that the first delivery, Block 10, will already meet 90% of the fifth-generation capabilities.

The internal bays, including everything else, will be activated in Block 20, but the difference between the two will only involve testing and software updates. There will be no hardware changes, meaning both Block 10 and Block 20 will have the same features. The design has been fifth-generation stealth or low-observable from the start.

Sir, the internal bays, radar, nose radar, side radars, and the munitions it uses—all of these currently possess fifth-generation characteristics. As for the engine, let’s call it 4.5 generation for now.

Essentially, the only difference will be in the fine-tuning, but all other fifth-generation features, such as airflow dynamics and more, will be fully implemented within the engine. We can even consider the F-110 engine we’re temporarily using as fifth-generation.

So, we’re not far off, but to be truly fifth-generation, we’re waiting for our own engine. At that point, we’ll call it fifth-generation, or perhaps even 5.5. By then, we will have also integrated many sixth-generation features into KAAN.
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With this becoming clear, all criticisms and questions about the tight schedule and the feasibility of delivering the first operational batch of aircraft by 2028 become moot because -naturally- the aircraft will not be fully combat-ready from day one.

Yet, even as is, it will be highly valuable for the TuAF to transition into 5th generation warfare and gain experience both operating and countering stealth platforms.

Additionally, while TAI has already tested the IWBs on the Anka-3, that program is inherently lower-risk by design. So, it makes complete sense for them to be more thorough with the IWBs on the Kaan.

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snne said:
In his latest remarks, the GM has stated that -similar to the F-35 Block 2B case- it will take until the emergence of Block 20 to certify the KAAN’s IWBs.

The doors, the mechanisms, associated hardware and systems will still be installed on Block 10 aircraft, but it will take some time to certify both the IWBs and the software.

The main difference between a Block 10 and a Block 20 aircraft will be the software.

He also mentioned side-looking arrays (not exactly SLARs), but their existence still remains questionable - at least based on my logic. However, it's worth noting that both past and current GMs have consistently mentioned it.


With this becoming clear, all criticisms and questions about the tight schedule and the feasibility of delivering the first operational batch of aircraft by 2028 become moot because -naturally- the aircraft will not be fully combat-ready from day one.

Yet, even as is, it will be highly valuable for the TuAF to transition into 5th generation warfare and gain experience both operating and countering stealth platforms.

Additionally, while TAI has already tested the IWBs on the Anka-3, that program is inherently lower-risk by design. So, it makes complete sense for them to be more thorough with the IWBs on the Kaan.

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I don't get why you don't "understand" the side looking "radar"s
 
Radonislav said:
I don't get why you don't "understand" the side looking "radar"s
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Kotil spoke about 360 degrees radars which was believable because of the tailsting. 270 degrees radar coverage is peanuts for them. I do wonder how they'll arrange the Iris-300 sensors. The forward looking angle is taken by the Karat. Maybe they'll integrate Karat with the other 5 Iris-300 sensors to also act as an EODAS.
 
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Waterballoon said:
Kotil spoke about 360 degrees radars which was believable because of the tailsting. 270 degrees radar coverage is peanuts for them. I do wonder how they'll arrange the Iris-300 sensros. The forward looking angle is taken by the Karat. Maybe they'll integrate Karat with the other 5 Iris-300 sensors to also act as an EODAS.
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I am not sure about Karat being integrated with IRIS-300 on pilots see-through view. For sure it is integrated in detection part but iris and Karat work on different IR bands. iris-300 is MWIR but Karat is LWIR, so for see-through they would have to integrate one for the frontal sector
 
Combat-Master said:
Looks like Roketsan will unveil a Ramjet propelled missile next week at IDEF'25, possible Gokhan BVRAAM or another missile, either way it has folded control surfaces and typical ramjet boxed style air-inlets
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdSnKKIElWc

View attachment 778103
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Could be the folding fin version of the Bozdoğan, we know that they've been working on it for a while...

LmpwZw

LmpwZw


Furthermore, this does not resemble what one would expect from a ramjet missile...

1735738358039-png.754392


Another possibility is that this is our first sneak peek at the miniaturized AA missile they've been proposing or designing(?), called Akdoğan.

But I'd bet money on the fact that the design shown in the video clearly resembles Bozdoğan.
 
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Just a slight issue here. Gökhan is SAGE's project, not Roketsan's. So, either Roketsan took over the Gökhan project, or Roketsan developed another Ramjet BVR missile, which is honestly an immense waste of resources.

www.sage.tubitak.gov.tr

GÖKHAN - TÜBİTAK SAGE

The Contract for the "National Ramjet Powered Air-Air Missile (GÖKHAN) Development Project" was signed between the Ministry of National Defense and TÜBİTAK SAGE on May 21, 2021.
www.sage.tubitak.gov.tr www.sage.tubitak.gov.tr
 
Nart said:
Just a slight issue here. Gökhan is SAGE's project, not Roketsan's. So, either Roketsan took over the Gökhan project, or Roketsan developed another Ramjet BVR missile, which is honestly an immense waste of resources.

www.sage.tubitak.gov.tr

GÖKHAN - TÜBİTAK SAGE

The Contract for the "National Ramjet Powered Air-Air Missile (GÖKHAN) Development Project" was signed between the Ministry of National Defense and TÜBİTAK SAGE on May 21, 2021.
www.sage.tubitak.gov.tr www.sage.tubitak.gov.tr
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SAGE develops and prototypes the systems, but they’re a research institute, not a manufacturer. Once the design’s ready, Roketsan takes over for mass production, marketing and sales since they have the capacity. It’s a simple setup: SAGE does the R&D, Roketsan handles the factory work and delivers the final product.

SOM cruise missile is a good example
 
Waterballoon said:
Gökhan is present at the Tubitak booth but it's still under a tarp.

View attachment 778783
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Alright, so it seems it may be independent development from SAGE as @Nart suggested.

Murat Ikinci stated Gokbora will have solid-fuel ramjet, as opposed to what SAGE has been working on which I believe was a Gel type fuelled ramjet

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Range: 100+NM
Length: 3.75m
Diameter: 180mm
Seeker: AESA radar
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I always found it difficult to understand why the Turks chose a liquid fuel system for their BVRAAM (even if Akbaba uses the same base) with its maintenance challenges.
I saw it more as a stepping stone for a hypersonic cruise missile.
Having now the solid fuel ramjet missile as a Meteor equivalent makes more sense to me.
 
Combat-Master said:
Alright, so it seems it may be independent development from SAGE as @Nart suggested.

Murat Ikinci stated Gokbora will have solid-fuel ramjet, as opposed to what SAGE has been working on which I believe was a Gel type fuelled ramjet

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Range: 100+NM
Length: 3.75m
Diameter: 180mm
Seeker: AESA radar
View attachment 778789
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SAGE develops and prototypes the systems, but they’re a research institute, not a manufacturer. Once the design’s ready, Roketsan takes over for mass production, marketing and sales since they have the capacity. It’s a simple setup: SAGE does the R&D, Roketsan handles the factory work and delivers the final product.

SOM cruise missile is a good example
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Unfortunately, there's an unspoken rivalry between Tübitak SAGE and Roketsan going on, where SAGE is trying to enter the serial production game to fund more R&D projects; whereas Roketsan's sights are set on the little that Tübitak SAGE has left and is actively developing products that solve the same problems as SAGE's products.


This fundamental issue (which is deeply rooted in the Turkish industrial complex in general) is a huge waste of resources.
 
snne said:
This fundamental issue (which is deeply rooted in the Turkish industrial complex in general) is a huge waste of resources.
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So basically Turkey suffers from a serious chronic misallocation of resources in its' aerospace sector?
 
NMaude said:
So basically Turkey suffers from a serious chronic misallocation of resources in its' aerospace sector?
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I meant that in a general sense. There's something problematic about the mindset of the average Turkish trader, it drives them to compete with their fellow countrymen, both nationally and internationally, by undercutting prices, offering the same solutions, and so on; thus ultimately reducing profitability just to land the job.

Got a successful business running? Too bad, someone will try to replicate your success and steal your customers by opening up shop and doing the same sh-t just 20 meters away from you.
 
FEWS KAAN and FEWS F-16 electronic warfare suite

-
FEWS KAAN
Fighter Electronic Warfare Suite
  • 360 degree coverage
  • Situational awareness in wide frequency spectrum
  • Detection and recognition of RF threats with precise directional accuracy
  • Geolocation
  • Steerable beam capability in jamming
  • Multi-jamming function with AESA antennas
  • Dispensing chaff, flare and expendable active decoys coordinated with electronic jamming
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https://twitter.com/x/status/1948287482614759472
View: https://x.com/orko_8/status/1948287482614759472

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Some sort of announcement on KAAN is planned either Today or Tomorrow at IDEF'25; Source TAI General Manager
 
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