UAE interested in Turkish 5th generation KAAN fighter jet
The United Arab Emirates is considering the purchase of KAAN combat aircraft, as it became known during the IDEX 2025 exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
Here's What We Know
The UAE's interest in the fighter jet was announced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) CEO Mehmet Demiroglu. According to him, the country is also considering the possibility of joint development of an air platform with Turkey.
In addition to KAAN, the parties discussed cooperation in the production of Hurkus training aircraft. An agreement was signed between TAI and the Emirati company Calidus on the joint modernisation and development of this aircraft programme.
Turkey's fifth-generation KAAN aircraft. Illustration: SavunmaSanayiST
The UAE has also shown interest in the Turkish ATAK attack helicopter. Earlier, the Emirati military tested this model and positively assessed its characteristics, but negotiations were suspended. Now the parties are returning to discussing possible purchases.
In addition to the existing programmes, negotiations are underway to develop a fundamentally new aircraft platform. The UAE is also interested in the ANKA-3 attack drone.
Demiroglu confirmed that the KAAN fighter project is being implemented with the participation of several countries. Saudi Arabia has already been involved, and now the UAE may join the project.
The second KAAN prototype should be ready by the end of 2025, and the third - in early 2026. The first serial deliveries are scheduled for 2028.
Source: KAAN