TUSAŞ Kaan

The National Combat Aircraft (MMU), officially named KAAN, is a national defense industry project initiated by the Republic of Türkiye to develop a fifth-generation fighter aircraft. The project is carried out under the prime contractorship of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), coordinated by the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), and with contributions from various local subcontractors. The MMU project was launched with the aim of replacing the F-16 aircraft planned for retirement from the Turkish Air Forces inventory and holds significance in reducing Türkiye’s external dependency in the defense sector.

History and Development Process

The MMU project was initiated with the goal of developing a domestic and national fighter aircraft to replace the F-16 aircraft in the Turkish Air Forces inventory. The project’s first prototype conducted its maiden flight on 21 February 2024 at Mürted Air Field in Ankara. During this flight, KAAN remained airborne for 13 minutes, reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 230 knots.

Design

KAAN is designed to belong to the fifth-generation fighter class. To this end, it is equipped with advanced low radar observability (stealth), network-enabled operations capability, high maneuverability, digital twin technology, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion, and AI-assisted mission systems. The aircraft’s maximum altitude is 55,000 feet, its maximum speed is Mach 1.8, its length is 21 meters, and its wingspan is 14 meters. The first prototype of the MMU successfully completed its maiden flight on 21 February 2024. The aircraft’s twin-engine configuration ensures high performance and reliability.

Structural Features

The KAAN’s airframe is designed to minimize radar cross-section. The cockpit is ergonomically and user-friendly, aiming to reduce pilot workload and enhance situational awareness. Additionally, the aircraft’s avionics architecture is planned in a modular fashion to accommodate future technological advancements.

Development Process and Collaborations

The project prioritizes domestic and national solutions; critical subsystems of the MMU are developed with contributions from local industry institutions. In this context, TÜBİTAK BİLGEM has played an active role in developing sensitive components such as life support systems. Simultaneously, R&D efforts are ongoing to produce locally the electronic warfare systems, composite structure technologies, and avionics equipment used on the aircraft.

Digital Twin and Simulation Infrastructure

TUSAŞ employs Digital Twin Technology in the digital development process of the MMU. Through this technology, all structural, mechanical, and electronic components of the aircraft are simulated in a digital environment and validated against real flight data. This system provides advantages both for design optimization and predictive maintenance.

Role in the Vision of Türkiye Century

The MMU project is regarded as a strategic component of Türkiye’s “National Technology Initiative” and “Türkiye Century” vision. This project aims to enhance Türkiye’s capacity to offer high-technology products in the international defense market and contributes to the accumulation of technological expertise in multiple fields such as advanced engineering, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity.

Subsystems and Local Contributions

Under the MMU project, emphasis is placed on developing the aircraft’s critical subsystems of components using domestic and national capabilities. In this regard, infrastructure has been established in cooperation with TÜBİTAK BİLGEM for radar cross-section testing. Additionally, virtual testing of the aircraft is conducted using digital twin technology.

Avionics Systems

Avionics systems refers to the complete set of electronic components that enhance a fighter aircraft’s mission effectiveness. The avionics systems used in the MMU–KAAN consist of diverse technologies including a mission computer, flight control system, advanced radar systems, electronic warfare capabilities, identification friend or foe (IFF), situational awareness display systems, sensor fusion, digital cockpit, data link communications, and integrated logistics support systems.

According to data released by TUSAŞ, the KAAN’s avionics architecture is configured based on an open systems architecture. This structure facilitates easier future upgrades and modernization and enables the integration of domestic software and hardware. Moreover, multi-sensor fusion enhances the pilot’s situational awareness, while an advanced mission management system allows for effective planning of complex missions.

Technical Specifications

The National Combat Aircraft KAAN has been developed to meet fifth-generation fighter aircraft requirements.

Features/Features

• Multirole Mission Profile (Air-to-Air & Air-to-Ground) / Multirole (Air-to-Air & Air-to-Ground)
• Supercruise Capability / Supercruise Capability
• High Maneuverability / High Maneuverability
• Low Observability / Low Observability
• Internal Weapons Bays / Internal Weapon
• Extended Combat Radius / Extended Combat Radius
• Interoperability with Current and Future Assets / Interoperable with Current & Future Assets
• High Situational Awareness / High Situational Awareness
• Optimized Pilot Workload with Decision Support Capability / Optimized Pilot Work Load with Decision Support Capability
• Within and Beyond Visual Range Missiles Employment / Within & Beyond Visual Range Missiles Employment
• Precision Strike / Precision Strike

New Generation Avionics / New Generation Avionics

• Integrated Modular Avionics / Integrated Modular Avionics
• Sensor Fusion / Sensor Fusion
• Integrated Radio Frequency System / Integrated Radio Frequency System
• Integrated Electro Optical System / Integrated Electro Optical System
• Integrated Communication Navigation Identification System / Integrated Communication Navigation Identification System
• Integrated Processor Unit / Integrated Processor Unit
• Large Area Display / Large Area Display
• Helmet Mounted Display / Helmet Mounted Display

General Information

• Country: Türkiye
• Designing and Manufacturing Organization: Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ)
• Project Coordination: Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB)
• First Flight Date: 21 February 2024
• First Flight Duration: 13 minutes
• Altitude Reached During First Flight: 8,000 feet
• Speed Reached During First Flight: 230 knots
• Second Test Flight: 6 May 2024; 14 minutes duration, reaching 10,000 feet altitude and 230 knots speed

Aircraft Type

• Class: Fifth-generation fighter aircraft
• Configuration: Twin-engine
• Flight Characteristic: Supersonic (continuous cruise capability at speeds above Mach 1)
• Multirole: Optimized for air-to-air and air-to-ground missions
• Flight Performance: Maximum G tolerance +9 G

Physical Characteristics

• Length: Approximately 21 meters
• Wingspan: 14 meters
• Height: Approximately 6 meters
• Maximum Takeoff Weight: 27,000 kg
• Service Ceiling (Maximum Altitude): 55,000 feet (16,764 m)
• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8
• Maximum G Force: +9 G

Speed and Flight Performance

• Maximum Speed: Mach 1.8 (approximately 2,205 km/h)

• Maximum G Force: +9 G

• Maneuverability: High thrust-vectoring control is targeted (in later stages)

Airframe and Material Properties

• Stealth Design:

• Slanted and angled structure to reduce radar cross-section (RCS)

• Internal weapons bays

• Electromagnetic signature-reducing surface coatings

• Material Composition:

• Extensive use of composite materials

• Radar-absorbent material (RAM) applications

• Heat-resistant exterior surfaces

Propulsion and Engine Systems

• Number of Engines: 2
• Current Engines: General Electric F110
• Thrust Source: Twin-engine configuration
• Future Engine Plan: Integration of a domestically developed engine by TUSAŞ Motor Sanayii A.Ş. (TEI) is planned.

Avionics and System Features

• Radar: Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar system
• Avionics Architecture: Open systems architecture, modular structure
• Sensor Fusion: Integration of data from multiple sensors
• Mission Computer: Locally produced with high processing capacity
• Cockpit: Digital cockpit (glass cockpit), compatible with helmet-mounted display system
• Communication: Network-centric warfare capability, data link communications

Weapons and Munitions Capacity

• Weapons Carriage Capacity: High payload capacity via internal and external weapons stations
• Weapons Systems: Compatible with air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions
• Stealth: Airframe structure and internal weapons bays designed to ensure low radar cross-section (RCS)

Cockpit and Pilot Interface

• Cockpit Type:

• Digital cockpit (glass cockpit)

• Wide touchscreen displays

• Compatible with helmet-mounted display (HMD)

• Pilot Assistance Systems:

• Voice alerts and intelligent flight assistant

• Flight data analysis modules

Mission Systems and Avionics

• Network-Centric Warfare (NCW):

• Real-time data sharing

• Integration with other air and defense assets via tactical link systems

• AI-Assisted Systems:

• Mission planning and in-flight data processing

• Threat analysis and prioritization algorithms

• Electronic Warfare and Sensor Fusion:

• AESA radar

• IRST (Infrared Search and Track)

• Laser targeting and countermeasure systems

Autonomy and Advanced Integration

• Compatibility with Unmanned Systems:

• Infrastructure for joint operations with UAVs

• Satellite communication-supported command and control integration

• Digital Twin and Simulation:

• Aircraft is pre-simulated through digital modeling

• AI-based maintenance and lifespan monitoring systems are being developed

Production and Development Infrastructure

• Main Production Facility: TUSAŞ Kahramankazan Central Campus, Ankara
• Subsystem Production: Various components are manufactured at TUSAŞ facilities in Kahramanmaraş and other cities.

Development Process and Future Planning

• Digital Twin Technology: All structural, mechanical, and electronic components of the aircraft are simulated in a digital environment and validated against real flight data.
• Domestic Engine Integration: The domestically developed engine by TEI is targeted for integration into KAAN by 2028.
• Entry into Service Date: Planned for 2028.

These features enable KAAN to deliver multirole combat capabilities and provide flexible operational use in both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.

Presidency of Türkiye’s Statements on the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) – KAAN Project

The first official statement by the Presidency of Türkiye regarding the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) project was made on 1 May 2023 during the program titled “The Century of the Future” held at the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) facilities in Ankara-Kahramankazan. Official announcements from the Presidency highlighted the progress achieved in the project’s development phase and announced that the platform’s official name is “KAAN.”

On the same day, during the ceremony, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signed and dated the MMU prototype’s airframe with a wet signature. This moment was documented through visual materials released by various media outlets and the Presidency of Communications.

The Presidency has also communicated through social media and press releases that the aircraft will be equipped with domestic and national systems, and that subsystems such as radar, weapons, and mission computers will be entirely developed using Turkish technologies.

In this context, the Presidency demonstrates not only political support but also institutional-level strategic ownership of the MMU–KAAN project. The statements focus primarily on the strategic importance and symbolic value attributed to the project rather than technical details.

Export Agreement with Indonesia (2025)

According to an announcement by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on 11 June 2025, a comprehensive export agreement regarding the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) KAAN has been signed between Türkiye and Indonesia. Under the agreement, a total of 48 KAAN aircraft will be produced in Türkiye and exported to Indonesia. In his social media statement, President Erdoğan said: “Under the agreement signed with our friendly and brotherly Indonesia, 48 KAAN aircraft will be produced in Türkiye and exported to Indonesia.”

President Erdoğan emphasized that local capabilities in Indonesia will also be utilized during the KAAN production process. He highlighted the role of Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in the signing of the agreement, underscoring the cooperation between the two countries. Erdoğan congratulated all institutions and organizations involved in this export process, including the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and TUSAŞ.

On the same date, SSB President Haluk Görgün stated regarding the agreement: “This project will be one of the most concrete examples of joint production, technology sharing, and strategic cooperation.”

IDEF 2025Signing of Agreements

The commercial contract covering the sale of 48 KAAN aircraft to Indonesia was signed on 26 July 2025 during the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025) in Istanbul. This agreement, recorded as the largest export contract ever signed by Türkiye’s defense industry, was conducted under the leadership of the Presidency of Defense Industries.

The signing ceremony was attended by Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, Minister of Defense of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Ömer Cihad Vardan, Chairman of the TUSAŞ Board of Directors, Deputy Minister of National Defense and Vice Chairman of the TUSAŞ Board of Directors Şuay Alpay, and Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of TUSAŞ.

Following the signing ceremony at IDEF 2025, SSB President Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün described the development as “a historic moment in history.” Görgün stated: “We are proud to successfully realize this collaboration, which has blossomed thanks to the leadership and strong will of our President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.”

Görgün noted that the technical annexes of the commercial contract, prepared under the Government-to-Government (G2G) Supply Agreement signed with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense on 11 June 2025, have been completed. He emphasized that the local industrial infrastructure to be established in Indonesia will be supported and that cooperation in production and engineering will be expanded. He also thanked Indonesian stakeholders such as PT RAD and PTDI involved in the project.

Strategic Position of KAAN from Türkiye’s Perspective

The National Combat Aircraft (MMU) – KAAN is positioned as a strategic platform within the context of Türkiye’s long-term defense, technology, and foreign policy objectives.

Strategic Autonomy in Defense Industry

Since the 2000s, Türkiye has adopted a comprehensive indigenization strategy to reduce external dependency in the defense industry. As the first fifth-generation fighter aircraft developed under this strategy, KAAN is planned as the domestic alternative to replace the F-16 platforms in the air forces inventory.

High-Tech Production Capability

The development process of KAAN enhances Türkiye’s capabilities in multidisciplinary fields such as aircraft system integration, materials science, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, software engineering, and digital twin technology.

NATO-Compatible but Autonomous System Architecture

Designed with Türkiye’s NATO membership obligations in mind, KAAN is engineered to ensure interoperability with the alliance; however, through full data control and software sovereignty, it provides a defense platform that is immune to external interference and fully integrated into national decision-making processes.

Export Potential and Regional Impact

KAAN not only meets Türkiye’s internal security and defense needs but also aims to create economic and diplomatic influence through defense exports. Regions such as the Middle East, South Asia, and the Turkic Republics, which are current or potential defense industry customers of Türkiye, are considered strategic export targets for KAAN. In this regard, the aircraft also emerges as a tool for geopolitical influence projection.

Strategic Value

Strategic value refers to the importance of a technological system or platform in contributing to long-term national security, economic sustainability, political independence, and international competitiveness across multiple dimensions.

The strategic value of KAAN is concretely manifested in the following areas:

1. Equipping the aircraft with domestic systems reduces external dependency and ensures full sovereignty over cybersecurity and decision-making processes.
2. Advanced domestic expertise is being developed in fields such as materials engineering, radar systems, artificial intelligence, and flight software.
3. The production of KAAN fosters high-skilled employment in Türkiye and creates a multi-layered industrial ecosystem alongside its subcontractors.
4. The production of a fifth-generation fighter aircraft is a capability possessed by only a few nations. Türkiye’s inclusion in this category supports its status as a global player in military technology.