TAI KAAN (5th-Gen Fighter)
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Kicked out of the F-35 program, Turkey built its own stealth fighter jet from scratch — and Saudi Arabia is already lining up to buy.
Who they are
The TAI KAAN, a homegrown Turkish 5th-generation stealth fighter jet.
What they do
It's meant to replace Turkey's aging F-16 fleet after Turkey was expelled from the American F-35 program.
How it works
The first prototype flew in February 2024 on American GE F110 engines; a second prototype in mid-2026 has a wider nose, taller air intakes, and a Turkish-made helmet display, and Saudi Arabia is negotiating to buy 20 jets or set up a final assembly line.
Why it matters
The engine sees this as the high point of Turkey building a defense industry that doesn't depend on the West.
The engine's record — word for word
Indigenous stealth fighter replacing F-16 fleet post-F-35 expulsion. P0 maiden flight Feb 2024 on GE F110 engines. P1 (mid-2026): wider nose, taller intakes, ASELSAN Tulgar helmet display. Saudi Arabia negotiating purchase of 20 aircraft or final assembly line. Apex of Turkey defense-industrial independence.
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