As reported by Turkish defense outlet Ulusavunma on July 16, 2025, Türkiye’s Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) has officially ordered the sixth prototype of the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet. This milestone underscores Türkiye’s rapid progress toward deploying a fully indigenous next-generation combat aircraft, developed entirely by its domestic aerospace sector. Led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the KAAN project is the country’s first full-scale, homegrown fighter jet—signifying a major advancement in national defense capabilities.
Originally launched under the TF-X program in 2016, the KAAN project was initiated as part of Türkiye’s broader strategy to modernize its air force through independent defense development. TAI, under SSB oversight, undertook the design and development process, beginning with concept studies, advanced aerodynamic modeling, and performance simulations. A full-scale mock-up of the KAAN was publicly revealed at the 2019 Paris Air Show, marking Türkiye’s entry into the elite circle of next-generation fighter jet developers.
