Türkiye’s KAAN Jet: Strategic symbol and defense industry jewel

Israeli analyst Shay Gal, writing for The Eurasian Times, highlighted Türkiye's advances in the defense industry, emphasizing that the national fighter jet KAAN is the 'crown jewel' of Türkiye's defense sector and serves not only as a technical project but also as an ideological and strategic symbol. According to Gal, Türkiye's KAAN program goes beyond a technical endeavor; it is central to Ankara's long-term strategic vision and its goal of defense industry independence. KAAN performed its maiden flight in February 2024, staying airborne for approximately 15 minutes, and has since conducted additional test flights. This milestone is seen as a major industrial achievement for Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). Gal noted that Türkiye aims to deliver around 20 'Block 10' jets to its Air Force between 2028–2029, indicating steady progress, with mass production planned in the 2030s. KAAN positions Türkiye in the fifth-generation fighter aircraft arena dominated by the F-35 and is considered the crown jewel of a defense industry that has recently achieved strong export growth. Türkiye is developing a domestic high-thrust turbofan engine, the TF-35000, through a partnership between TEI and TRMotor. Gal emphasized that the indigenous engine will largely eliminate export chain risks linked to U.S. control points. The program's first export customer is Indonesia, which signed a deal for 48 KAAN jets valued at approximately $10 billion. The package includes technology transfer, training, and potential future joint production. Gal highlighted that strong interest from Indonesia and other countries reinforces Türkiye's position in defense exports. Simultaneously, Türkiye is pursuing Eurofighter Typhoon acquisitions, negotiating with Qatar and Oman for Typhoon jets, pushing for F-16 Block 70 deliveries, and seeking to rejoin the F-35 program. Gal argued that Ankara is 'playing a multilayered game,' using options strategically to influence regional air power balance. Gal stressed that the KAAN program will never be canceled. He compared such a move to Israel's strategic setback in the 1980s when the Lavi fighter jet project was halted, stating that Ankara would never accept a similar strategic retreat. He concluded: 'Türkiye will not cancel KAAN. This project is as much an ideological and strategic symbol as it is a technical one,' underscoring that KAAN represents prestige and independence for Türkiye, beyond its role as a defense project.