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5th-Gen Fighter Aircraft Nobody Knows: Indonesia Orders 48 Units!
In the crowded field of fifth-generation fighters-led by names like the F-35, J-20, Su-57, etc.-Turkey's KAAN quietly aims to join the elite. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), KAAN (also called TF-X or MMU - Milli Muharip Uçak, or "National Combat Aircraft") is a stealthy, twin-engine, multirole warplane under development. Though still in the testing and prototyping stage, KAAN packs several features that set it apart. Here are 5 highlights that make KAAN worth noticing.
1. Indigenous Tech
One of KAAN's biggest selling points is how much Turkey is doing from scratch. At the 2025 Paris Air Show, defence company Aselsan revealed a fully indigenous suite of precision-guided munitions designed for KAAN. The package includes the TOLUN and TOLUN-IIR bombs, LGK laser-guidance kits, and the Gozde dual-mode guidance system (laser + GPS/INS).
This path toward domestic systems means less reliance on foreign suppliers and export restrictions, which is crucial for a field where many parts are tightly controlled. For KAAN, this helps ensure both its stealth/radar signature is preserved (internal weapons bays) and that strike capability is consistent and sovereign.
2. First Flight & Engine Tests
KAAN's maiden flight happened on February 21, 2024. Though short (about 13 minutes), it marked a major milestone in proving basic flight capability.
Complementing that, the jet has successfully completed ground tests of its afterburner engines-stress tests for high temperatures, structural vibrations, and high pressures-showing that its propulsion system can handle demanding flight regimes.
Currently the prototype uses two General Electric F-110 engines (also used in F-16s). Serial production, however, is expected to move toward indigenous engine development starting around 2028.
| Parameter | KAAN (Turkey) | Su-57 (Russia) | F-35A (USA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crew | 1 pilot | 1 pilot | 1 pilot |
| Length | ~20.3 m (≈ 66 ft) | ~20.1 m | ~15.7 m |
| Wingspan | ~13.4 m | ~14 m | ~10.7 m |
| Height | ~5.0 m | ~4.6 m | ~4.33–4.4 m |
| Wing area | ~71.6 m² | ~78.8 m² | ~42.7 m² |
| Max Takeoff Weight (MTOW) | ~34,750 kg | ~35,000 kg | ~31,800 kg |
| Powerplant / Engines | 2 × GE F110 (prototypes); indigenous engine planned (TF35000) | 2 × Saturn AL-41F1 (current); improved engines planned | 1 × Pratt & Whitney F135 |
| Thrust (afterburner) | ~131 kN per engine (F110 afterburner est.) | ~142 kN per engine (est.) | ~191 kN (single engine) |
| Maximum Speed | ~Mach 1.8 (design target) | ~Mach 2.0 (claimed) | ~Mach 1.6+ |
| Service Ceiling | ~16,764 m (≈ 55,000 ft) | ~20,000 m | ~18,000 m (≈ 60,000 ft) |
| G-limits | +9 / −3.5 g (design) | ~+9 g (typical) | ~+9 g |
| Combat Radius / Range | Combat radius ≈ 1,100 km (prelim) | Varies; larger ferry ranges reported (mission-dependent) | Combat radius ≈ 1,090 km; max range depends on config |
| Stealth / Signature | Stealth shaping, internal bays, RAM coatings (design goal) | Low observable features plus infra-red considerations; designers balance stealth and maneuverability | High emphasis on low observability, integrated sensor fusion |
| Primary roles | Multirole: air superiority, strike, deep strike (multirole modular) | Air superiority + multirole strike with emphasis on agility | Multirole (air superiority, strike, ISR, networked operations) |
Notes: KAAN figures are preliminary and subject to change as testing and production proceed. The Su-57 figures reflect current serial-production estimates; future Su-57 variants may change performance. F-35A figures shown are for the conventional takeoff/landing variant. Use these values for comparative context only.
3. Stealth, Internal Weapon Bays & Advanced Sensors
KAAN incorporates several defining features of 5th-generation aircraft:
- Stealth: low radar cross section, use of RAM (radar-absorbing materials) coatings, internal weapon bays to reduce external signatures.
- Sensor fusion & avionics: High-performance radar, advanced communication/navigation/identification capabilities; IRST (Infrared Search & Track); helmet-mounted displays; electronic warfare capabilities.
- Multirole flexibility: air-to-air combat plus air-to-ground, plus planned smart munitions options (e.g. CAKIR cruise missile, etc.).
4. Export & Strategic Partnerships
While many 5th-gen programs stay domestic for long periods, KAAN is already making export moves. In fact, Indonesia has placed an order for 48 KAAN jets, with local industrial participation. Delivery is slated around 2028.
Moreover, Turkey aims to deliver the first block (Block 10) of about 20 KAAN aircraft to its Air Force by 2028. Such moves not only helps offset development costs, but also strengthens regional alliances and builds up industrial capability through collaboration.
5. Ambitious Timeline
KAAN is being developed to replace Turkey's F-16 fleet, which is planned to be phased out starting in the 2030s. That said, KAAN's first and second test flights have already occurred and the weapon systems testing is expected to begin in 2026. Serial production deliveries to the Turkish Air Force around 2028.
DriveSpark Thinks
While KAAN may not yet have the global fame or combat record of the F-35 or J-20, it packs impressive specifications, a growing indigenous weapons ecosystem, export ambitions, and a clear goal: to give Turkey a fully sovereign 5th-generation air combat capability. As testing continues and blocks are delivered, KAAN could become a serious contender in the modern fighter market.
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