Turkey's fifth-generation KAAN fighter could be more expensive than F-35 and cost over $100m

Turkey's fifth-generation KAAN fighter may be more expensive than expected, Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), said. This was announced by Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Here's What We Know

The fighter jet was previously known as the TF-X. A few days ago, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially announced that the fifth-generation aircraft will be called KAAN.

It was reported in March 2021 that the fighter jet would cost $100 million, the head of TAI said during an interview on Turkish television.

This week, Temel Kotil said that the cost of the aircraft could be "slightly higher". The TAI chief executive did not give further details or reasons for the price change. But he noted that the Turkish Air Force will receive 20 Block 20-level fighters by 2028.

KAAN will make its first flight in 2026. By 2029, TAI plans to produce two planes each month. The fifth-generation fighter is expected to generate $2.4 billion a year in revenue during this period.

Source: Defence News