2024-02-22 12:44:45
Ankara: Turkey’s first National Combat Aircraft Kaan (KAAN) completed its maiden flight on Wednesday. This is being considered an important success in the efforts to upgrade the country’s Air Force. Turkey started its TF-X project in 2016 to create a national fighter aircraft. For this, Turkish aerospace firm TUSAS had signed an agreement with Britain’s BAE Systems. Turkey spent $125 million in 2017 to develop this fighter aircraft. TUSAS shared a video showing a KAAN fighter jet taking off and then returning to an airport in northern Ankara.
Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkey’s Defense Industry Directorate (SSB), said on social media that with the successful flight of Kan, our country has not only got the fifth generation fighter jet but has also acquired such technology, which is superior to some of the world’s top fighter jets. Only countries have it. The new fighter jet will initially be powered by two General F-110 engines. It is also used on the fourth generation Lockheed Martin F-16 jet. Gorgun has said Turkey aims to use domestically produced engines in the Kan jet, expected to be launched in 2028. After a long process, Turkey has also recently signed a deal to buy 79 modernization kits for its 40 F-16 fighter jets from the US. Turkey is also interested in purchasing 40 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, produced by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy and Spain.
Pakistan also wants to buy these jets
Pakistan will also be happy with the successful flight of this fifth generation fighter jet of Turkey. Pakistan has been helpful in Türkiye’s national fighter aircraft programme. Turkey has made this aircraft to replace the fighter jet F16. Pakistan is also interested in buying it. Pakistan getting this fighter jet can definitely be a cause of concern for India.
The Kan aircraft is 21 metres. It can fly at a speed of 2,222 km. It is a two-engine aircraft. Each engine can produce 13,000 kg of thrust. Equipped with new generation mission systems to detect enemy attacks. Apart from this, the aircraft will also have AI. With the help of which it can attack accurately. Till now the missiles hang outside the fighter jet, but a place to keep weapons has been made inside it. This aircraft can replace America’s F16 aircraft.