Turkey's fifth-generation KAAN fighter may get Ukrainian engines - Ivchenko-Progress to compete with Rolls-Royce

Ivchenko-Progress has taken part in a tender to develop a new jet engine for Turkey's fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN, aka TF-X. The Ukrainian firm will compete with British giant Rolls-Royce.

Here's What We Know

Turkey's defence ministry wants two engines for the aircraft. Ivchenko-Progress will work with the Turkish company Tusas Engine Industries (TEI). The Rolls-Royce partner will be the Kale Group. One of the key requirements is the full transfer of the rights for the propulsion system to Turkey.

It is worth noting that Turkey almost 10 years ago tried to hold a tender to develop an engine for the fighter by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Rosoboronexport from Russia, French company Snecma, European firm Eurojet as well as American duo Pratt & Whitney and General Electric fought for the contract. However, the tender was cancelled.

It should be noted that Ukrainian-made engines are used in many Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles. In particular, in Bayraktar Kizilelma, ANKA-3 and Bayraktar Akinci. In addition, the Ukrainian propulsion system will be installed in the promising T929 ATAK II helicopter.

As for competitors, the range of Kale Arge, which is part of the Kale Group, includes the KTJ-3200 and KTJ-1750 engines. They are used in the SOM, ATMACA and CAKIR missiles.

The KAAN fighter prototype is equipped with a US-made F110 engine. It is this propulsion system that will be installed in the first 20 aircraft. Production of the KAAN is scheduled for 2028, with the first flight scheduled as early as next year. The cost of the fighter may exceed $100 million.

Source: SavunmaSanayiST