The National Combat Aircraft KAAN, one of the most significant indicators of Turkey’s progress in the defence industry in recent years, is entering the countdown for its indigenous engine integration. According to the 141st issue of GökVatan Magazine published by TUSAŞ, the TF35000 — a turbofan engine developed by TEI (TUSAŞ Engine Industries) and the most powerful indigenous engine ever produced in Turkey — will begin early testing in 2026.
If the tests are successful, the integration of the domestic engine into the KAAN fighter jet is scheduled for 2032. As stated in GökVatan Magazine, “Early testing of TF35000, Turkey’s highest-thrust indigenous and national turbofan engine developed by TEI, is planned for 2026, with integration into KAAN to begin from 2032.”
KAAN’s Flight Programme Gathers Pace
The National Combat Aircraft KAAN completed its maiden flight on 21 February 2024 with its first prototype. During this inaugural flight, KAAN remained airborne for 13 minutes, reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 230 knots.
KAAN to Replace F-16s
The F-16 fighter jets currently in the Turkish Air Force inventory are scheduled to be gradually phased out starting in the 2030s. In preparation for this transition, a contract was signed between the Defence Industry Agency (SSB) and TUSAŞ on 5 August 2016 to launch the National Combat Aircraft project. Within this scope, KAAN is being developed as a domestic and national platform and will become the backbone of Turkish air defence.
48 KAAN Units Ordered by Indonesia
International interest in Turkey’s national fighter jet is growing. As part of the IDEF 2025 International Defence Industry Fair, a major export agreement was signed between TUSAŞ and Indonesia. Under the agreement, 48 KAAN fighter jets will be delivered to Indonesia. Reportedly, all of these aircraft will be equipped with the indigenous TF35000 engines.
