Jakarta, IDM – The first flight lasted 13 minutes and reached a speed of 230 knots at an altitude of 8,000 feet,” read a statement from the manufacturer, state-owned Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS). The KAAN project was launched in 2016 with the aim of replacing Turkish Air Force’s aging F-16 fleet and to be sold to foreign governments.
Before its maiden flight, the engineers have carried out a number of trials, including launch seat tests, fulllength static tests, static tests of control surfaces, landing gear tests, avionics system tests, fuel tests, engine start up tests and taxiing tests.
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The KAAN fighter jet is considered cutting-edge because it is equipped with the latest technologies which give it a number of superior capabilities. With a wingspan of 14 meters, it is capable of air-to-air combat with new generation weapons and precision attacks. With a projected top speed ranging from Mach 1.8 to 2.2 (about 2,470 km/h) and a service ceiling peaking at 55,000 feet, the KAAN is built for agility and rapid response.
In addition, KAAN is equipped with highly-sensitive AESA radar which can track and target several objects simultaneously, electro-optical systems, communication systems, electronic attack and support systems, sophisticated avionics and advanced cockpit with human-machine interface. Capability aside, KAAN also has a number of other advantages such as low maintenance, cost-effectiveness and sustainability. The stealth fighter jet has a length of 21
meters, a height of 6 meters and a wingspan of 14 meters. Its maximum takeoff weight is 27,200 kg. It also packs serious firepower, being equipped with one 20 mm cannon, eight weapon bays, air-to-air missiles, and air-to-surface missiles.
Turkey’s defense industry is on the rise. They country has emerged as a weapons manufacturing powerhouse and global arms exporter. At the end of February, its first homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet, named KAAN, successfully conducted its maiden flight on February 21, 2024 in the capital Ankara.
Building self-reliance in defense
Indeed, KAAN is fruit of Turkey’s serious and sustained efforts in developing the country’s self reliant defense industry. Despite hurdles and limitations, Turkey’s ability to make its own fighter jet has been an impressive milestone, marking its entry into the league of world’s top military aircraft manufacturers which puts it in direct competition with the US, Russia and France.
Over the past quarter-century, Turkey has reduced its dependency imported military equipment from 80 percent to just 30 percent. This means that around 50 percent of equipment the country needs are manufactured domestically.
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The success of KAAN is a proud milestone in Turkey’s military modernization drive. The strength of Turkey’s military-industrial complex can also be seen from the number of defense firms it owns. According to the Defense News data in 2022, seven out of the world’s top 100 defense contractors are Turkish.
One of the largest is ASELSAN, established in 1975. Today the company has produced various kinds of communications equipment, radars and defense systems with operations in 65 countries. Turkey also has TUSAS which is engaged in the manufacturing of multi role helicopters, drones and key aircraft components. (From multiple sources). (Ummamah Nisa)