Turkish Aerospace’s Kaan fighter reaches new milestone with afterburner test

Designed to meet the Turkish Air Force Command’s requirements for next-generation fighter jets, Kaan is developed under the auspices of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB). With its debut, Türkiye joins an exclusive group of only four nations capable of producing 5th-generation fighter jets.

Kaan’s state-of-the-art design incorporates cutting-edge capabilities, including superior manoeuvrability, low radar visibility, an open-architecture avionics system, enhanced situational awareness, and precision targeting. The aircraft has already completed two successful flights this year, the first on 21 February and the second on 6 May, showcasing its readiness for advanced operational tests.

In response to the afterburner system test, Turkish Aerospace President and CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu emphasised the broader significance of the milestone. “Successfully activating an afterburner on a jet engine is not just a technical achievement; it is a triumph of discipline and teamwork,” he remarked. “This milestone is not merely a testament to today’s success but also an inspiration to pursue even greater goals for the future.”