Turkey plans to integrate its indigenous engine into the KAAN fighter jet by 2032.
The integration of the indigenous TF35000 turbofan engine into Turkey's KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet is planned to begin in 2032, with initial engine testing starting in 2026. This significant milestone is part of Turkey's ambitious defence industrial base development.
The TF35000 engine is being developed by TUSAŞ Engine Industries Inc. (TEI), with the aim of becoming Turkey's highest-thrust turbofan engine. Until TF35000 integration, KAAN prototypes will continue flight testing with foreign-sourced General Electric F110 engines, similar to those used on Turkish F-16s.
Turkey's KAAN program has progressed with its first flight in February 2024 and additional prototypes being built, targeting operational delivery to the Turkish Air Force by late 2028 or early 2029 with current engines. The timeline reflects the phased approach typical for advanced military aircraft programs, with initial indigenous engine tests in 2026, followed by KAAN integration starting in 2032, aligning with the goal of fully replacing aging F-16s in the mid-2030s.
The indigenous engine development, including supersonic versions and stealth-optimized features, is an ambitious effort expected to take roughly a decade, consistent with industry standards for military turbofan development.
Flight testing for KAAN is expected to start around 2032-2033. Early tests of the TF35000 are planned for 2026, but the timeline for the serial production and final configuration of the TF35000 engine is not specified in the current paragraph. The engine could enter service by 2036, marking a significant step in Turkey’s indigenous fighter capability.
Turkish Aerospace CEO Mehmet Demiroglu mentioned that there may be some surprises in relation to the KAAN project, viewing it as a journey towards the pinnacle of Turkey's defense industry. The KAAN project is aimed at achieving air superiority with extended air-to-air combat range, precise strikes from internal weapon bays at high/supersonic speeds, and enhanced combat power with artificial intelligence and neural network support.
In April 2026, two KAAN prototypes are scheduled to fly, and one prototype is designated for ground tests. Turkey has signed a historic 48-aircraft KAAN export deal with Indonesia at IDEF 2025, demonstrating international interest in Turkey's indigenous fighter jet.
[1] Turkish Aerospace Industries [2] TUSAŞ Engine Industries Inc. (TEI) [3] Defense Industry Export Fair (IDEF) [4] Defense News [5] Defense Industry Daily
- The TF35000 engine, a project under TUSAŞ Engine Industries Inc. (TEI), is planned to be integrated into Turkish Aerospace Industries' KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet, a significant step in Turkey's indigenous fighter capability, potentially as early as 2036.
- President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has emphasized the importance of the KAAN program, stating that it not only represents Turkey's technological advancement but also highlights the nation's ambition to strengthen its defense industry, as demonstrated by the historic 48-aircraft KAAN export deal with Indonesia signed at IDEF 2025.
