Turkish Aerospace’s Kaan fighter aircraft has successfully passed another critical milestone in its development with the aircraft activating its afterburner system on both engines for the first time during ground tests.
Developed by the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) to fulfil the Turkish Air Force Command’s requirements for next-generation fighter jets, Kaan positions Türkiye among a select group of only four countries with the capability to manufacture 5th-generation fighter aircraft.
Turkish Aerospace sates that the stealth, twin-engine, air superiority fighter features advanced attributes such as exceptional manoeuvrability, reduced radar signature, an open-architecture avionics system, improved situational awareness, and precise targeting capabilities.
Kaan successfully conducted its inaugural flight on 21 February and its second flight on 6 May.
Commenting on the afterburner test, Turkish Aerospace President and CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu stated: “We continue to leave a lasting legacy in aviation history. Successfully activating an afterburner on a jet engine is not just a technical achievement; it is a triumph of discipline and teamwork. This milestone is not merely a testament to today’s success but also an inspiration to pursue even greater goals for the future. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all my colleagues who contributed to this achievement.”
The Kaan Development Project was launched with the objective of creating a fighter aircraft that is designed and developed domestically, intended to succeed the F-16 aircraft currently in service with the Turkish Air Force Command. These F-16s are scheduled for gradual retirement beginning in the 2030s. Turkish Aerospace serves as the primary contractor for this initiative.
