Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is highly confident that the United States will approve its application to acquire engines for its fifth-generation fighter jet “KAAN” and the light combat aircraft “HURJET,” both currently under development. In a recent interview with Turkey’s defense portal, SavunmaSanayiST.com, at the Farnborough Airshow, TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroglu expressed optimism about securing the necessary engine approvals.
“Aircraft engines are crucial components. Currently, the engines for the KAAN and HURJET fighter jets are awaiting approval from the United States Congress. We do not anticipate any issues at this time,” Demiroglu stated. “This process can sometimes take time,” he added. However, Demiroglu remains hopeful, citing the recent F-16 purchase agreement as a positive indicator.
Earlier this year, Washington approved Turkey’s request to acquire 40 new variant F-16 fighter jets and 80 modernization kits valued at $23 billion, following Ankara’s ratification of legislation allowing Sweden to join NATO. This approval resolved a longstanding dispute between Ankara and Washington over the F-16 purchase.
Demiroglu emphasized that if the application to acquire engines for the KAAN and HURJET does not succeed, TAI will seek alternative solutions. “We will take our own measures. We will not stop here. We will either find new engines or develop our own. We have already developed our own engine for KAAN, and we will do the same for the light combat aircraft HURJET. We will not abandon the KAAN development program,” he affirmed.
Both the F110 engines for the KAAN fighter jet and the F404 engines for the HURJET light combat aircraft are developed by General Electric (GE) of the United States. Previously, Turkey ordered 100 F404 engines for the HURJET and requested that the F110 engines be produced domestically in Turkey to meet local demand.
As an interim measure, Turkey has sought permission from the United States to locally produce the GE-129 variant of the F110 engine under license. Turkey plans to use the GE-129 engines in the first batch of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jets before transitioning to domestically produced engines. The GE-129 engine is a twin-engine version used in the F-15 fighter jet, while the GE-110 variant is used in the F-16, also operated by the Turkish Air Force. This suggests that the first batch of Turkey’s KAAN fighter jets will likely use the same engines as the F-15.
The application to produce the GE-129 engines under license in Turkey follows an agreement between TUSAS Engine Industries (TEI) and GE Aerospace. TEI, a joint venture between Turkish Aerospace Industries and GE Aerospace, along with other local partners, aims to ensure Turkey’s self-sufficiency in producing engines for both aircraft and missiles. In addition to manufacturing GE-110 engines under license, TEI also produces engines for the T-70 helicopter (a local variant of the S-70) and the LHTEC engines used in TAI’s T129 ATAK attack helicopter.
Currently, TEI is developing its most powerful turbofan engine, the TEI-TF10000, an advanced variant of the earlier TEI-TF6000 engine, designed to provide 10,000 pounds of thrust. The TEI-TF10000 engine is intended for use in the unmanned combat aircraft “Kizilelma,” developed by Turkey’s renowned drone manufacturer Baykar Technology, and is expected to operate from the country’s largest warship, the TCG Anadolu. This engine serves as the foundation for developing domestic engines that will equip Turkey’s fifth-generation KAAN fighter jets.
The successful development and approval of engines for the KAAN and HURJET aircraft would mark a significant milestone for Turkey’s defense industry. The KAAN, as a fifth-generation fighter jet, represents a leap forward in terms of technology and capabilities. It is designed to enhance Turkey’s air combat capabilities, featuring advanced stealth characteristics, state-of-the-art avionics, and superior maneuverability.
The HURJET, on the other hand, is a light combat aircraft intended to replace the aging T-38 Talon trainers and F-5 aircraft currently in service with the Turkish Air Force. The HURJET project aims to provide a versatile platform capable of performing both training and light attack missions. Its development underscores Turkey’s commitment to modernizing its military capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.
While TAI remains optimistic about the approval process, potential challenges could arise. Political dynamics, including US-Turkey relations and broader geopolitical considerations, might impact the final decision. However, TAI’s proactive approach in seeking alternative solutions reflects a robust strategy to mitigate risks.
If the US approval faces delays or hurdles, TAI’s plans to develop indigenous engines for both the KAAN and HURJET aircraft demonstrate a long-term vision for self-reliance. This move aligns with Turkey’s broader strategic goals of bolstering its defense industry capabilities and reducing dependency on external sources.
Turkey’s journey toward developing advanced indigenous defense technologies has been marked by significant milestones. The country’s defense industry has evolved from assembling and modifying foreign equipment to designing and producing advanced systems. This evolution is evident in various successful projects, such as the T129 ATAK helicopter, the ANKA UAV, and the Altay main battle tank.
The development of the KAAN and HURJET aircraft represents the next phase in this evolution. These projects are not only about meeting immediate defense needs but also about positioning Turkey as a key player in the global defense market. The ability to produce advanced fighter jets and light combat aircraft domestically will enhance Turkey’s strategic autonomy and provide valuable export opportunities.
The successful approval and subsequent production of engines for the KAAN and HURJET aircraft are expected to have a substantial economic impact. The defense sector is a significant driver of technological innovation and industrial growth. Developing and manufacturing advanced aircraft engines will spur advancements in related fields, including materials science, precision engineering, and electronics.
Moreover, the projects will create high-skilled jobs and foster collaborations between academia, research institutions, and industry. This ecosystem of innovation will contribute to Turkey’s broader economic development goals, positioning the country as a hub for advanced technological research and manufacturing.
Turkish Aerospace Industries’ confidence in securing US approval for the KAAN and HURJET engines reflects a broader strategy of resilience and self-sufficiency. While the approval process involves navigating complex geopolitical dynamics, TAI’s proactive measures and long-term vision underscore its commitment to advancing Turkey’s defense capabilities.
The successful development and production of these engines will not only bolster Turkey’s military strength but also drive technological innovation and economic growth. As TAI continues to navigate this critical phase, the defense community will be watching closely, recognizing the broader implications of these projects for Turkey’s strategic autonomy and global defense standing.
