TAI KAAN
Turkish Aerospace Industries · Turkey · first flew 2024 · fighter
The TAI KAAN (formerly TF-X / MMU) is Turkey's first domestically designed and built fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, intended to replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon in Turkish Air Force service. It represents a major milestone in Turkish aerospace capability.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, delta |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × turbofan, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 20 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Turkey's first indigenous fifth-generation fighter
- Cranked-arrow delta with twin-engine layout
- DSI intakes and low-observable shaping
Large twin-engine cranked-delta planform with diverterless supersonic intakes, bubble canopy, and blended fuselage shaping. Broadly similar in layout to the Eurofighter Typhoon but with more pronounced stealth features.
Specifications
- The TAI KAAN has a length of 20 m (66 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11 m (36 ft).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The KAAN programme began formally in 2016 following Turkey's exclusion from full technology transfer in the F-35 programme. Turkish Aerospace Industries, working with BAE Systems as a technical partner, rolled out the first prototype in 2023 and achieved first flight on 21 February 2024. The aircraft is provisionally powered by General Electric F110 engines pending development of a domestic powerplant.
Variants
The current aircraft is a prototype/demonstrator; series production is planned for the 2030s. A two-seat trainer variant has been discussed.
Where you'll see it
Not yet in operational service as of first flight in 2024; intended for the Turkish Air Force with export ambitions.
Related aircraft
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