Turkey's Kaan Fighter

These sources detail the development of the Turkish KAAN, a fifth-generation stealth fighter designed to compete with the American F-35 and establish Turkey as a sovereign aerospace power. While the F-35 remains a mature, globally deployed platform, the KAAN has achieved major milestones, including a successful maiden flight and a massive export deal with Indonesia. To overcome its removal from the F-35 program, Turkey is utilizing American F110 engines as a temporary bridge while simultaneously developing the indigenous TF35000 engine to achieve full technological independence. Technical comparisons highlight that the KAAN is larger and faster than the F-35, though it still faces significant challenges regarding stealth integration and serial production timelines. Ultimately, the project serves as both a strategic tool for regional diplomacy and a catalyst for Turkey's rapidly expanding domestic defense industry.