Azerbaijan has joined Turkey’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet named ‘KAAN’ as a development partner. This collaboration further strengthens the defense relationship between Ankara and Baku.
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) recently signed a National Combat Aircraft Development Collaboration Protocol with the Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan.
The deal is expected to bolster the capabilities of KAAN and secure financial contributions through Azerbaijan’s involvement.
“The TF-X Kaan project is a major defense program that requires substantial investments. By involving Azerbaijan, Türkiye can potentially share the financial burden of the project, leading to cost savings and economic advantages for both countries,” said Dr. Goksu Urkan, sales team lead for government contracting at Tusas Engine Industries (TEI), a joint venture between TAI and General Electric (GE).
The primary objective of the protocol is to establish collaboration principles between the two nations, focusing on joint production activities related to the KAAN project. This includes assessing Azerbaijan’s capabilities, preparing suitable facilities and companies for production, and promoting experience sharing.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lauded the partnership as a symbol of solidarity between the two countries, highlighting the progress in the development of KAAN and announcing its first test flight by the end of 2023.
As part of the collaboration, Azerbaijan will send 200 personnel to actively participate in the KAAN project.
Fifth-Gen Turkish Fighter Jet KAAN
The TAI KAAN, also known as TF-X or Turkish Fighter, is an advanced twin-engine stealth fighter currently being developed by TAI with British BAE Systems as a sub-contractor.
TAI developed the aircraft to replace the aging F-16 aircraft fleet in the Turkish Air Force and also export to other countries.
The test flight of this aircraft successfully debuted on March 16, 2023. The Turkish Air Force is expected to receive the first KAAN delivery in 2028.
The current prototypes are equipped with American-made F110 engines, and the first 20-25 units of KAAN will continue to use these engines. However, British Rolls-Royce in partnership with Turkey’s Kale Group and Ukrainian company Ivchenko Progress have shown interest in producing specialized engines for the aircraft.
“KAAN,” is set to take its first flight in December, revealed the head of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Temel Kotil while announcing that KAAN’s inaugural appearance in Turkish skies will be on December 27.
Kotil expressed optimism about delivering 20 units of KAAN Block-10 aircraft to the Turkish Air Force by 2028, with production expected to increase to two jets per month from 2029. While the sales price of the aircraft is estimated to be around $100 million, the overall project cost remains undisclosed.