New prototypes of Türkiye’s domestically developed combat aircraft KAAN have been unveiled as part of ongoing testing and development led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

The head of Türkiye’s Secretariat of Defense Industries, Haluk Gorgun, visited the KAAN hangar on Friday to review the latest progress and receive detailed briefings on the program, The Caspian Post reports, citing Anadolu.

Gorgun stated that the rollout of the aircraft designated for full-scale static testing-alongside the first and second flight prototypes-marks a major technical milestone in the project’s timeline. He described the development as a significant step forward in Türkiye’s defense ambitions.

According to Gorgun, KAAN represents more than just a new military aircraft. He characterized it as a symbol of the country’s engineering capabilities and its drive toward greater independence in defense production.

The project’s core objective is to design and manufacture a fully indigenous next-generation combat aircraft capable of serving the Turkish Air Force for decades. KAAN is expected to incorporate advanced features including low radar visibility, internal weapon bays, enhanced situational awareness, and sensor fusion systems designed to improve effectiveness in both air-to-air and air-to-ground operations.

After the first prototype completed its maiden flight in 2024, development and production efforts have continued without interruption. Work is progressing in parallel on expanding operational capabilities for both manned and unmanned fighter platforms.

Gorgun noted that the KAAN program is contributing to the steady strengthening of Türkiye’s defense and aviation ecosystem. He emphasized that the parallel development of a domestically produced engine is a key factor positioning Türkiye among a select group of nations with advanced combat aircraft capabilities.

He further explained that the strategic initiative is not limited to aircraft production but also functions as a broader catalyst for advancing national infrastructure, expanding skilled human resources, and deepening technological expertise.

Authorities are simultaneously preparing for mass production while continuing current testing phases, underscoring the program’s priority status within Türkiye’s defense technology agenda.

The domestic supply chain supporting KAAN includes more than 5,000 employees working across over 300 companies in more than 20 cities, reflecting the project’s nationwide industrial footprint, Gorgun added.