Türkiye Orders Sixth KAAN Fighter Jet Prototype

Türkiye’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) has officially placed an order for the sixth prototype of the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet, according to Turkish defense outlet Ulusavunma on July 16, 2025. This move highlights Türkiye’s commitment to building its own advanced stealth combat aircraft, designed and developed entirely by its domestic aerospace sector.

Led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the KAAN project—originally known as TF-X—marks a bold new chapter in Türkiye's defense story. It is the first time in the country’s history that a full-scale, domestically designed and manufactured fighter jet is being developed for the Turkish Air Force, signaling a significant leap in national defense autonomy.

The KAAN is a true fifth-generation stealth fighter, meant to deliver air superiority, multirole combat performance, and complete mission independence. Designed to compete with global elite jets like the F-35 and F-22.

The jet’s development began in 2016, with TAI focusing on simulation, modeling, and performance testing. By 2019, Türkiye unveiled the full-scale mock-up at the Paris Air Show, and in February 2024, the first prototype took its maiden flight, proving the project's momentum and technical maturity.

As of mid-2025, six KAAN prototypes have either been completed or are under production:

• Prototype 1 – Basic flight testing and airframe evaluation

• Prototypes 2 & 3 – Avionics and sensor calibration

• Prototypes 4 & 5 – High-performance flight trials, weapons integration

• Prototype 6 – Environmental durability, avionics stress testing, acceleration, and runway trials

The sixth prototype's addition will support parallel testing efforts, speeding up development while minimizing risks before the KAAN enters serial production.

Future blocks of KAAN jets, especially Block 30 and Block 40, will include a fully indigenous engine, currently in development. This move aims to eliminate foreign dependency in propulsion systems and strengthen Türkiye’s long-term defense sustainability.

When compared to other top-tier fighters, KAAN's stealth design and internal weapons configuration give it a clear advantage in high-threat environments. Unlike Rafale or Typhoon, which use exposed weapon pylons and limited stealth, KAAN emphasizes low radar visibility and modular upgrades. Compared to Sweden’s Gripen E, which lacks stealth shaping, KAAN brings a more complete stealth and multirole combat package. While it shares some performance philosophy with the F-35, KAAN stands out for being completely under national control, without international restrictions on software or upgrades.

This latest order for the sixth prototype clearly reflects Türkiye’s determination to become a global aerospace leader, with plans to not only equip its own forces but also offer KAAN for export. As the aircraft continues testing and refinement, it is expected to play a central role in transforming Türkiye’s Air Force and could soon become a competitive alternative in the global fighter market.