The development of KAAN took place within the scope of the National Combat Aircraft Program launched by the Defense Industry Executive Committee (SSİK) in 2010. In the news in the foreign press, it was emphasized that the program in question aims to replace the old F-16 fleet in the Turkish Air Force, which is planned to be retired by the 2030s. It was stated in the news that KAAN represents a technological leap for Turkey, placing the country among a select group of countries capable of designing, producing and integrating fifth-generation warplanes.
EQUIPPED WITH VARIOUS WEAPONS
The news included extensive coverage of KAAN’s capabilities and stated that TF-X would be an important tool, especially in air conflicts and strategic superiority. It is stated in the news that KAAN is designed to work effectively in air-air and air-land missions with its internal weapon compartments that increase stealth and reduce the radar signature, and that the warplane will be equipped with the long-range Gökdoğan air-to-air missile, the short-range Bozdoğan missile and the SOM- for land attacks. It was underlined that Turkish-made weapons such as the J cruise missile can be integrated. It was stated in the news that the capacity to deploy domestic weapons shows Turkey’s increasing self-sufficiency in arming its air forces, and it was also stated that KAAN has precision strike capability at high speeds.
KAAN’S SKILLS HAVE BEEN INCREASED
It was stated in the news that KAAN was also equipped with an advanced sensor suite, including the MURAD AESA radar developed by ASELSAN, and that the project also had an international cooperation aspect.
The news underlined that TAI signed a contract with BAE Systems to accelerate the development of domestic warplanes in 2016, and that with this strategic cooperation, KAAN’s capabilities were increased and at the same time a solid infrastructure was created for the production of warplanes and other advanced aviation projects in Turkey. transferred.
THEY GAVE WIDE SPACE TO KAAN’S PERFORMANCE
In terms of performance, the news stated that KAAN can reach supersonic speeds without afterburners and operate at an altitude of 55 thousand feet, thanks to its powerful engines. The news also underlined that the fifth-generation fighter jet was designed to carry various weapons.
“The integration of these technologies and the operational potential of KAAN make it a central figure in the modernization of the Turkish Air Force,” the news said, adding that in addition to replacing the F-16s, KAAN is preparing to become the backbone of the country’s air defense in the coming period. . The news also stated that KAAN will meet Turkey’s operational requirements until 2070 while serving as a strategic deterrent.
A SERIOUS COMPETITOR FOR THE USA
In terms of exports, it was underlined that KAAN could become a serious competitor for markets looking for an alternative to more expensive American offers. The news cited Ukraine’s great interest in KAAN and emphasized that Saudi Arabia intends to acquire more than 100 KAAN warplanes in the near future.
Source: www.star.com.tr
