F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor rival: Ukraine plans to buy Turkish fifth-generation KAAN fighters

The Ukrainian Air Force may receive Turkish fifth-generation KAAN fighters in the future.

Here's What We Know

The information was shared by the Ukrainian ambassador in Ankara Vasyl Bodnar during an interview with CNN Türk. He said that Ukraine is going to buy the aircraft. The ambassador also said that Ukrainian specialists are involved in the project, developing an engine for KAAN. The ambassador said that the Turkish fighter jet will be able to create competition to the US combat aircraft F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor.

"Ukrainian specialists are working within the framework of the project to develop an engine for the Turkish national combat aircraft KAAN," the diplomat said.

Flashback

KAAN (TF-X) is Turkey's fifth-generation fighter jet project, which has been under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) since 2017. The first versions of the aircraft design were shown in 2013 at the International Exhibition in Istanbul.

The first KAAN prototype was unveiled in late autumn 2022. A month later, TAI announced plans to produce two aircraft each month from 2029. The fighter will be able to take to the air for the first time in autumn 2024, with adoption scheduled for 2028. The KAAN will have a top speed of Mach 1.8 (2222 km/h).

Via: Wing