Turkey’s First Fifth-Gen Fighter Jet Takes To The Skies

KAAN Takes Off

Turkey’s first ever locally-made fighter plane has completed its maiden flight on the 21st of February this year.

The aircraft, dubbed Kaan, was able to register a speed of 230 knots and reach an altitude of 8,000 ft during its 13-minute flight time.

This new fighter aims to replace the country’s aging F-16 fleet by 2030. It reportedly has a wingspan of about 46 feet and a length of 69 feet.

The Kaan is powered by two General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engines, but Turkey might pivot to another engine if TRMotor, a local company, can develop another turbofan engine.

The jet that flew during the maiden flight was a ground test unit. So far, they are expected to make five more prototypes, aiming to deliver 24 jets per years after 2029.