While Turkey’s fifth-generation national fighter jet KAAN continues to use the General Electric-produced F110 turbofan engine during flight tests, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) has accelerated its efforts on a domestic alternative. In a statement to Breaking Defense, TUSAŞ CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu announced that the indigenous engine named TF35000 is expected to be integrated into the KAAN by 2032.
“We have begun working on the new TF35000 turbofan engine. The conceptual design is nearly complete, and we plan to move to the first prototyping phase by the end of the year,” said Demiroğlu, emphasising that the project is being jointly carried out by TEI (TUSAŞ Engine Industries Inc.) and TRMotor.
Initial Tests in 2026, Integration by 2032
Demiroğlu stated that some early tests of the engine would be conducted in 2026, with full-scale integration into the KAAN platform starting in 2032. According to an official statement by TEI, the TF35000 engine will feature “high thrust power, low fuel consumption, and extended range capability.”
The engine’s design will also incorporate high-temperature-resistant superalloys, advanced coating, and cooling technologies. This is expected to make a significant contribution to reducing foreign dependency in Turkey’s defence industry.
KAAN Accelerates Flight Testing
TUSAŞ is intensifying the flight test programme of the KAAN. Following the initial demonstration prototype’s first flight in 2024, the P1 (the first full test aircraft) is scheduled to fly in the first quarter of 2026. P2 is expected in 2027, followed by P3 no later than early 2028.
“Thousands of flight hours will be conducted as part of the six-prototype flight test campaign. Our primary objective is to complete flight controls, aerodynamic structures, and platform verification,” Demiroğlu stated, adding that weapons integration will also be included in the test process.
Cost Expected to Rival the F-35
While Demiroğlu refrained from disclosing the exact cost of the KAAN, he stated that it would be competitive with the F-35A variant. According to U.S. Department of Defense data, the current unit cost of the F-35A is around $82.5 million.
First International Sale to Indonesia
TUSAŞ is about to finalise its first international sales agreement for the KAAN with Indonesia. As recently announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, the two countries have agreed in principle on a 48-aircraft deal. Demiroğlu stated that the agreement would be formalised “within the next few months” once technical details are finalised.
“If not this year, we will announce another international deal as significant as Indonesia’s by early next year at the latest,” he added.
