Egypt has officially joined the Turkish fifth-generation fighter Kaan program: joint production and technological transfer

Kaan

Egypt has received official approval to join Turkey's fifth-generation Kaan fighter development program, becoming a partner in the project and participating not only in the procurement, but also in the production of this modern combat aircraft. This is an important step in the bilateral defense cooperation between Egypt and Turkey, which gives Cairo access to advanced next-generation aerospace technologies, allows it to increase technological independence and modernize its own armed forces.

The agreement includes technology transfer, the creation of joint production lines, and plans for future deliveries of Kaan fighter jets to the Egyptian Air Force. The Turkish Kaan fighter (formerly known as TF-X) has been under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) since 2017 and is a promising fifth-generation twin-engine fighter with a high level of stealth, advanced radar and electronic systems. The first prototype has already made its maiden flight in February 2024, and mass production and deliveries are planned by the end of the 2020s.

As part of the Kaan project, Turkey is working closely with international partners and expanding its partnership, including with Egypt, which underscores the strategic importance of the program and its potential to enhance the defense capabilities of both countries.

Turkey is taking a step towards creating a fifth-generation fighter: the second prototype of the KAAN is under construction

KAAN

Company Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) announced the start of construction of the second prototype of the promising fifth-generation fighter KAAN, which marks an important stage in the implementation of the program to create a national stealth aircraft. This was announced by the CEO of TAI Mehmet Demiroglu, stressing that the new prototype will differ from the first by a number of significant changes in the airframe design.

In particular, the shape of the air intakes will be modified and structural improvements will be introduced aimed at improving aerodynamic performance and reducing radar visibility. These changes are the result of an analysis of the data obtained during the tests of the first prototype.

The second prototype is expected to be fully assembled  by the end of 2025, which will be an important step towards completing flight tests and subsequent mass production. The success of the program will allow Turkey to take its place among a limited number of countries with their own fifth-generation fighter jets.

The creation of KAAN is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country's defense capabilities through the development of the local aviation industry. As part of this strategy, TAI already has experience in the development and manufacture of unmanned aerial vehicles and helicopters.

The implementation of the KAAN project also opens up export opportunities, as TAI seeks to offer a new platform to countries interested in acquiring independent airpower solutions.

Turkish aircraft carrier of the future: KAAN deck as a symbol of technological independence

The plan to create a fifth-generation KAAN stealth fighter for the future aircraft carrier MUGEM

Turkey is entering a new era of its naval construction by announcing plans to create a carrier-based version of the fifth-generation KAAN stealth fighter for the future MUGEM aircraft carrier. This ambitious project is becoming an important stage in the formation of a full-fledged aircraft carrier potential of the country and a demonstration of the desire for technological independence.

Transferring KAAN to deck service is not an easy task. The fifth-generation fighter, being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), must undergo significant changes to meet the requirements of aircraft carrier operations. This includes strengthening the landing gear structure to withstand impacts during landing, installing aerodynamic devices to improve low-speed handling, and modifying the engine to operate in marine conditions.

Special attention is paid to the ejection system and arrest landing, which differ significantly from ground procedures. These technologies require close cooperation between the Turkish Navy Design Bureau and TAI, as well as the possible involvement of foreign experts with experience in the field of aircraft carrier aviation.

The creation of its own aircraft carrier complex is of strategic importance for Ankara. The aircraft carrier MUGEM will become a symbol of naval power projection — the ability to project power beyond national waters. At the same time, the use of the indigenous product, the KAAN deck, will emphasize the technological maturity of the Turkish defense industry.

The project has several key objectives:

1. Ensuring independence from foreign suppliers of aviation equipment

2. Development of a high-tech domestic production base

3. Creation of a modern instrument to protect the country's maritime interests

4. Strengthening Turkey's role as a regional maritime power

However, the path to realizing this vision will be difficult. The need to master new technologies, create the appropriate infrastructure and train personnel will require significant investments and time. But if the project can be implemented, it will be a real breakthrough in the development of the Turkish armed forces.

Interestingly, the creation of the deck KAAN is taking place against the background of the general trend of global militarization of maritime zones. In this way, Turkey demonstrates its willingness to adapt to changing security conditions and assert its rights in key regions such as the Mediterranean and the Black Seas.

This step also shows how developing countries are increasingly striving to create their own advanced military technologies, abandoning dependence on traditional arms manufacturers. The KAAN project for MUGEM can be an example of a successful import substitution policy in the defense sector.

In the meantime, we are witnessing the beginning of a long-term process that can determine the future of Turkish naval power and the country's place in the global security system. The creation of the KAAN deck will be an important step along this path, demonstrating Ankara's ability to solve the most complex technical tasks in order to achieve strategic goals.