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| Image: SSB |
Ankara, February 19 - The Türkiye KAAN fighter jet program has achieved a major milestone with the unveiling of the second prototype, designated P1, by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). This development, announced in mid-February 2026 during a visit by the head of the Secretariat of Defense Industries, Haluk Görgün, showcases the nation's advancing capabilities in next-generation aviation technology. The KAAN, a twin-engine, all-weather stealth fighter designed to replace the Turkish Air Force's F-16 fleet, represents Türkiye's push toward indigenous fifth-generation combat aircraft production. The rollout included the P1 prototype alongside the original P0 aircraft, which completed initial flights in 2024, and a full-scale static-test airframe, highlighting accelerated progress in the National Combat Aircraft initiative.
The second KAAN prototype incorporates significant structural and geometric refinements compared to the first. These modifications focus on optimizing internal volume for weapons and systems, enhancing sensor integration, and refining the airframe to improve overall performance. A key emphasis lies on advancing stealth features, including reduced radar cross-section through refined shaping, advanced radar-absorbing materials, and low-observability design elements such as internal weapon bays. The prototype's streamlined configuration and updated nose section aim to validate these enhancements during rigorous ground and flight testing phases planned throughout 2026. The P1 is expected to undertake its maiden flight as early as May or June 2026, enabling a comprehensive evaluation of operational systems.
This unveiling signals Türkiye's strategic intent to refine KAAN's stealth capabilities ahead of mass production. By conducting parallel testing with multiple prototypes, including a planned third airframe, developers can accelerate data collection, address design challenges, and ensure compliance with demanding fifth-generation standards. The program prioritizes low observability, advanced avionics, sensor fusion for superior situational awareness, and versatility in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Powered initially by General Electric F110 engines, with plans for an indigenous turbofan in the 2030s, the KAAN seeks to deliver high supercruise potential and network-centric warfare compatibility.
As Türkiye advances toward serial production targeted for the late 2020s, the second prototype's refinements underscore the country's growing aerospace independence and technological ambition. The KAAN fighter jet project not only bolsters national defense but also positions Türkiye as a potential exporter of advanced stealth aircraft in the global market. With intensified testing ahead, the program continues to demonstrate steady progress in developing a sovereign, cutting-edge combat platform capable of meeting modern aerial threats.