President of Defence Industry Prof. Dr Haluk Görgün announced that the National Combat Aircraft KAAN and indigenous engine projects are progressing in line with the schedule. Görgün stated, “The future of KAAN is in no way dependent on the engine of a single country.”
President of Defence Industry Prof. Dr Haluk Görgün shared his assessments on the National Combat Aircraft KAAN, one of Türkiye’s most significant projects, and the indigenous engine development efforts. Emphasising that although the KAAN project initially started with foreign engines, the mass production phase will feature indigenous engines, Görgün said: “We are carrying out our projects with a block approach, advancing without depending on a single source.”
“Engines are critical for full independence in defence”
Touching upon the progress achieved in engine technologies by the Turkish defence industry, Görgün noted that the majority of engines required for land, air, naval and missile systems are now being developed with domestic and national resources. Görgün said: “The TUNA engine for Vuran and Kirpi vehicles, the BATU engine for the ALTAY tank, the TS1400 turboshaft engine for the GÖKBEY helicopter, the TF6000 for ANKA-III and the TF35000 project for KAAN are all advancing successfully. Step by step, we are moving closer to full independence in the defence industry.”
“Prototype production process is progressing smoothly”
Görgün stated that the engines required for KAAN prototypes have been delivered to Türkiye, with no disruptions in the production process. He further explained that the procurement process for the engines requested from the US has also been completed, adding: “If necessary, we have the capability to switch to alternative engines. However, our ultimate goal is to fly KAAN with a national engine.”
“Exports will be carried out with the national engine”
Referring to the agreement signed with Indonesia for 48 KAAN fighter jets, Görgün underlined that these aircraft will not be powered by US engines but by national engines.
“We trust our engineers”
Highlighting the significant progress achieved in engine projects over the past two years, Görgün said: “We are determined to carry KAAN into the skies with our national engines. We trust our engineers in this noble cause, and with the vision and support of our President, we continue on our path.”
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