Turkey and Pakistan to establish joint aircraft factory for production of 5th generation Turkish KAAN fighters

By: Mykhailo Stoliar | 21.01.2025, 17:16
Exploring TAI KAAN: A New Frontier in Technology TAI KAAN. Source: Wikipedia

Turkey and Pakistan have announced the establishment of a joint aircraft factory to produce fifth-generation KAAN fighters. This was reported by Army Recognition with reference to the Turkish Minister of Defence.

Here's What We Know

Turkish Defence Minister Yashar Guler confirmed Pakistan's participation in the MMU (TF-X) project during the Pak-Turkish Industrial Expo international forum in January 2025.

Details on the construction timeline and readiness of the plant in Pakistan are not yet known, but its launch will depend on the completion of the aircraft's tests. The project's lead developer, Turkish Aerospace Industry, is looking to expand its infrastructure and increase its user market.

The Pakistani military will have access to advanced technologies, which will allow it to diversify its dependence on China as part of the JF-17 joint production. Ukraine is also interested in the programme and is considering purchasing Turkish KAAN fighters. The involvement of Ukrainian enterprises in the development is quite likely, given the Ukrainian-Turkish cooperation in the defence sector.

A JF-17 fighter jet. Illustration: Pakistan Air Force
The JF-17 fighter jet. Illustration: Pakistan Air Force

The KAAN programme, formerly known as Milli Muharip Ucak (TF-X), was launched in 2010 to replace the aging F-16. The aim of the development is to create a stealthy combat aircraft with high manoeuvrability, a modern optoelectronic system and a radar station.

The first prototype was built in 2022, and its ground tests began in 2023. Production of the new models is scheduled to be completed by 2029.

Source: Army Recognition