One of Turkey’s most significant breakthroughs in its defense industry, the 5th generation fighter jet KAAN, has resonated in the US media. Newsweek reported that KAAN is attracting increasing interest from potential buyers, analyzing the Turkish jet’s technical features and its role in the defense sector. The article noted that countries in the Middle East and Asia are showing particular interest in KAAN.
Newsweek highlighted that Turkey accelerated its domestic defense projects after being removed from the F-35 program in 2019. The report emphasized that KAAN is capable of competing with US-made F-35 and F-22 jets, and underlined that Turkey is becoming an increasingly important exporter of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Newsweek stated that US sanctions have intensified Turkey’s efforts to build an independent defense industry, writing:
> Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program in 2019 due to its purchase of Russian S-400s accelerated its quest for strategic autonomy. The sanctions increased the country’s desire to potentially compete with US-made F-35 and F-22 jets. Turkey is already becoming a more significant exporter of unmanned aerial vehicles.
Could Change Global Defense Dynamics
Newsweek pointed out that KAAN is one of the few 5th generation fighter jet projects in the world. The article said:
> Turkey’s rising role under President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, an ally of former US President Donald Trump, could change global defense dynamics.
The article also stated that KAAN has the potential to stand out in the global defense industry, mentioning that countries like Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have begun researching the possibility of acquiring KAAN. Newsweek emphasized that this could shift the balance in the international defense market.
KAAN’s Technical Features Under the Microscope
Newsweek shared information about KAAN’s technical features. The article examined the Turkish jet’s long-range strike capability and noted that it could also be effective at short range.
Newsweek stressed that KAAN is designed to reach supersonic speeds and reported that its advanced internal weapon systems are competitive with next-generation jets. The article also highlighted KAAN’s AI-supported combat capabilities, noting that with its advanced technological features, KAAN is one of Turkey’s most important defense projects.
Growing International Interest in KAAN
Newsweek, citing the Bulgarian Military News Agency and TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu, shared information about KAAN’s status in the international market. The article quoted Demiroğlu as saying that Saudi Arabia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, and Indonesia are interested in the KAAN program.
Citing Forbes, the US news outlet reported that Saudi Arabia is considering purchasing 100 KAAN jets. The article also mentioned that the UAE is exploring opportunities for joint production of KAAN with Turkey.
Newsweek also quoted Defense Mirror’s interview with TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Ali Paşa, who said:
> Saudi Arabia has long shown interest in this project, and this interest is currently at its peak. Indonesia also seems very eager.
KAAN, which completed its first test flight in February 2024, boasts cutting-edge systems such as a super thrust system, helmet-mounted sight, synthetic aperture radar (SAR), infrared search and track sensor, and electro-optical targeting system. KAAN will also use domestically produced smart munitions capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground launches. This is leading to growing international interest in KAAN.
Source:
https://www.hurriyet.com.tr/dunya/yerli-ve-milli-ucak-kaan-abd-basininin-gundeminde-f-35e-rakip-hayalet-jet-kuresel-savunma-dinamiklerini-degistirebilir-42826389
