The Turkish company Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) presented the KAAN fighter, which claims to be a serious competitor to the American F-35. Thanks to advanced technologies, innovative «stealth» design and expanded combat capabilities, KAAN is able to change the balance of power in the segment of fifth-generation fighters.
The development of KAAN (formerly known as TF-X) reportedly began in 2011 as part of Turkey's program to reduce its dependence on imported weapons. The project is being carried out with the participation of international partners, including the British BAE Systems and the Turkish companies Roketsan and Aselsan. The fighter is focused on achieving air superiority, versatility and stealth.
Thanks to the latest radar-absorbing materials, which are 10 times more effective than the F-35's coating, KAAN provides a higher level of stealth characteristics. Additionally, advanced avionics and aerodynamics allow it to compete with the best examples of Western fighters.
Advantages and technical characteristics of the fighter:
- Speed: KAAN is capable of reaching Mach 1.8, which is superior to the F-35 (Mach 1.6).
- Maneuverability: The design and engines allow it to perform complex maneuvers required in modern air combat.
- Combat autonomy: The fighter is equipped artificial intelligence systems that increase efficiency in conditions of high pilot workload.
- Weapons: internal weapon bays allow for maintaining a stealth profile when transporting Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan missiles.
KAAN is already being called not only a competitor, but a potential leader among fifth-generation fighters. Thanks to its technologies, high-quality localization of production and economic feasibility, it is able to significantly influence the defense aviation market.