Egypt Enters Turkey's Kaan Fighter Jet Program with Joint Production Plans

Egypt Enters Turkey's Kaan Fighter Jet Program with Joint Production Plans.

Turkey had previously reached a preliminary agreement with Indonesia for the future sale of Kaan fighter jets.

Tuesday, August 5, 2025.

Egypt has received formal approval to join Turkey's indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet program, the Kaan. This development marks a significant milestone in defense cooperation between the two countries and underscores Egypt's intention to become a key player in next-generation aerospace technology. The bilateral agreement reportedly includes provisions for technology transfer, a collaborative production line, and the future procurement of Kaan fighter jets by the Egyptian Air Force.

The Kaan is designed to match or even surpass the capabilities of other fifth-generation platforms such as the US F-35 Lightning II, the Russian Su-57 Felon, and the Chinese J-20 Mighty Dragon. The aircraft features a low-observability airframe with radar-absorbent materials and sharply angled surfaces to reduce its radar cross-section (RCS). The internal weapons bay configuration allows the aircraft to maintain stealth during combat missions, and conformal fuel tanks are being developed to extend operational range while maintaining a low-observability profile. The aircraft is designed for multi-domain operations with a digital backbone that supports sensor fusion, cooperative engagement capabilities, and real-time battlefield data integration across allied forces.

One of the Kaan's key technological advantages is its next-generation active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, developed by ASELSAN. This radar offers target tracking, electronic attack, and synthetic aperture radar imaging functions in a single integrated suite. Combined with an advanced infrared search and track system (IRST), a distributed aperture system (DAS), and an electro-optical targeting system (EOTS), the radar allows pilots to detect, track, and engage enemy aircraft without relying solely on radar emissions. The cockpit features a panoramic touchscreen, a voice command interface, and a helmet-mounted display system (HMDS), which maximizes pilot situational awareness and reduces workload during high-intensity combat. The Kaan's twin-engine configuration is initially powered by General Electric F110-GE-129 engines, pending the future integration of domestically developed engines in a parallel engine development program led by TRMotor and TÜBITAK-SAGE. Each engine produces over 29,000 pounds of thrust, enabling sustained supersonic speeds (supercruise) above Mach 1.8 without afterburners, a critical requirement for survivability in high-altitude conflict. The platform is expected to have a combat radius exceeding 1,100 kilometers and a service ceiling above 55,000 feet.

With a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 27,000 kg, the Kaan is designed to carry an internal payload of up to 1,500 kg in its weapons bay and an external payload of over 6,000 kg under its wings when stealth is not required. The Kaan's modular architecture supports a wide range of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, including Gökdogan and Bozdogan missiles, precision-guided bombs, anti-ship missiles, and long-range cruise weapons such as the SOM-J. Electronic warfare pods, jamming systems, and satellite communications suites are also planned as optional integrations to adapt the aircraft for specialized roles, such as suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD) and strategic strike missions. In addition to its technical attributes, the fighter is built with an artificial intelligence-based mission system, predictive maintenance capabilities, and secure data link interoperability for NATO and non-NATO coalition operations. As part of its growing international reach and defense export ambitions, Turkey has previously reached a preliminary agreement with Indonesia for the future sale of Kaan fighter jets. This agreement, which is still in its early stages, includes potential joint development opportunities and technology transfer, reflecting both countries' shared interest in enhancing domestic defense capabilities.

Indonesia, which has long sought to modernize its air force beyond Russian and Western platforms, views Kaan as a strategic alternative that balances cost, capability, and industrial collaboration. While no final contract has been disclosed, officials from both sides have signaled a strong intention to move forward, positioning Indonesia as a potential first foreign operator for Turkey's fifth-generation fighter jet. The geopolitical relevance of this collaboration between Egypt and Turkey lies in its potential to reshape regional power dynamics at a time when Middle East and North Africa defense strategies are being increasingly disrupted.

Pakistan And Azerbaijan Join Kaan's (Turkish) Stealth Fighter Jet Program

Pakistan And Azerbaijan Join Kaan's (Turkish) Stealth Fighter Jet Program

indomilitary| 03/08/2023

Operating a fifth-generation fighter can be likened to a dream and a need. In fact, it's not enough for a country to just have a big budget to be able to buy stealth fighter jets like the F-35 Lightning II. Because it is full of sophisticated technology and is considered sensitive, there are sales restrictions that cannot be separated from political affairs. And when KAAN (formerly TF-X) was successfully launched by Turkey, it opened up opportunities for third world countries to later 'taste' the advantages of stealth fighter jets.

And regarding the development of KAAN produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), there are reports that Pakistan and Azerbaijan have joined Turkey's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet program.

On December 27 this year, it is planned that KAAN will fly for the first time with the support of artificial intelligence technology in it. Quoted from propakistani.pk, it is said that the KAAN development program has received significant support from Pakistan and Azerbaijan, which have officially joined the program, signifying a new era cooperation in the aviation sector.

Collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey was further strengthened by the signing of a contract between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). This agreement outlines the joint development of various airworthy equipment, strengthens ties and encourages the exchange of technological know-how between the two countries.

The entry of Pakistan and Azerbaijan into the KAAN stealth aircraft project has opened up new possibilities for sharing expertise and resources. As part of the collaboration, several KAAN subsystems will be manufactured in Pakistan, leading to the establishment of a joint production line. This strategic move not only reduces the overall financial burden, but can also increase production, ensuring the timely completion of the aircraft.

The KAAN stealth fighter jet is expected to be a game-changer, with advanced stealth capabilities that will allow it to operate undetected in hostile airspace. Its AI amalgamation adds another dimension to its already impressive features, making it a formidable force in modern aerial warfare.

KAAN, originally planned to make its maiden flight with Turkish engines in 2028, with its first flight on 27 December 2023, will exceed expectations by reaching the milestone ahead of schedule. Development of KAAN began in 2010, although there were some setbacks and delays along the way. However, the development process rapidly accelerated in 2019, especially when Turkey was kicked out by the US from the F-35 Lightning II stealth fighter jet program.

With a wingspan of around 21 meters, the aircraft boasts impressive performance capabilities, being able to reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 thanks to its twin engines, each developing 29,000 pounds (13,000 kg) of thrust.

Recent KAAN photos show exhaust nozzles similar to those found on a different General Electric F110 model. SavunmaSanayiST notes that the aircraft moved independently during the most recent taxii test, indicating that the General Electric F110 engine was successfully integrated.

As a fifth-generation fighter, the KAAN was carefully developed by TAI with the primary aim of replacing Turkey's aging F-16 fleet, demonstrating Turkey's commitment to advancing its air defense capabilities. (Glang Prime)

Pakistan Dan Azerbaijan Bergabung Dalam Program Jet Tempur Stealth (Turki) KAAN

indomiliter | 03/08/2023

Mengoperasikan pesawat tempur generasi kelima bisa diibaratkan antara idaman dan kebutuhan. Faktanya, suatu negara tidak cukup hanya punya anggaran besar untuk bisa membeli jet tempur stealth seperti F-35 Lightning II. Lantaran sarat teknologi canggih dan dinilai sensitif, maka ada pembatasan penjualan yang tak bisa dilepaskan dari urusan politik. Dan ketika KAAN (d/h TF-X) sukses diluncurkan oleh Turki, maka terbuka peluang bagi negara dunia ketiga untuk kelak ‘mencicipi’ keunggulan jet tempur stealth.

Dan terkait pengembangan KAAN yang diproduksi Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), ada kabar bahwa Pakistan dan Azerbaijan telah bergabung dalam program jet tempur stealth generasi kelima Turki.

Pada 27 Desember tahun ini, rencananya KAAN akan terbang perdana dengan dukungan teknologi kecerdasan buatan di dalamnya.Dikutip dari propakistani.pk, disebut bahwa program pengembangan KAAN mendapat dukungan signifikan dari Pakistan dan Azerbaijan, yang secara resmi telah bergabung dalam program tersebut, menandakan era baru kerja sama di sektor penerbangan.

Kolaborasi antara Pakistan dan Turki semakin diperkuat dengan penandatanganan kontrak antara Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra dan Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Perjanjian ini menguraikan pengembangan bersama berbagai airworthy equipment, memperkuat ikatan dan mendorong pertukaran pengetahuan teknologi antara kedua negara.

Masuknya Pakistan dan Azerbaijan dalam proyek pesawat siluman KAAN telah membuka kemungkinan baru untuk berbagi keahlian dan sumber daya. Sebagai bagian dari kolaborasi, beberapa subsistem KAAN akan diproduksi di Pakistan, yang mengarah pada pembentukan jalur produksi bersama. Langkah strategis ini tidak hanya mengurangi beban keuangan secara keseluruhan, tetapi juga dapat meningkatkan produksi, memastikan penyelesaian pesawat tepat waktu.

Jet tempur stealth KAAN diharapkan menjadi game-changer, dengan kemampuan siluman canggih yang memungkinkannya beroperasi tanpa terdeteksi di wilayah udara yang bermusuhan. Penggabungan AI-nya menambah dimensi lain pada fitur-fiturnya yang sudah mengesankan, menjadikannya kekuatan yang tangguh dalam peperangan udara modern.

KAAN, awalnya direncanakan untuk melakukan penerbangan perdananya dengan mesin Turki pada tahun 2028, dengan kabar terbang perdana pada 27 Desember 2023, maka akan melampaui ekspektasi dengan mencapai tonggak sejarah lebih cepat dari jadwal. Pengembangan KAAN dimulai pada tahun 2010, meskipun ada beberapa kemunduran dan penundaan di sepanjang jalan. Namun, proses pengembangan dengan cepat meningkat pada 2019, terutama ketika Turki didepak oleh AS dari program jet tempur stealth F-35 Lightning II.

Dengan lebar sayap sekitar 21 meter, pesawat ini menawarkan kemampuan kinerja yang mengesankan, mampu mencapai kecepatan maksimum Mach 1,8 berkat mesin kembarnya, masing-masing menghasilkan daya dorong 29.000 pound (13.000 kg).

Foto KAAN terbaru memperlihatkan nozel knalpot yang serupa dengan yang ditemukan pada model General Electric F110 yang berbeda. SavunmaSanayiST mencatat bahwa pesawat bergerak secara independen selama uji taxii terbaru, menunjukkan bahwa mesin General Electric F110 berhasil diintegrasikan.

Sebagai pesawat tempur generasi kelima, KAAN dikembangkan dengan cermat oleh TAI dengan tujuan utama menggantikan armada F-16 Turki yang sudah tua, menunjukkan komitmen Turki untuk memajukan kemampuan pertahanan udaranya. (Gilang Perdana)