Ankara: The development of Trkiye's fifth-generation stealth fighter jet KAAN and its indigenous engine is moving according to schedule, the country's national defense minister stated on Tuesday. In response to a parliamentary query, Yasar Guler assured that production and development activities for the KAAN fighter jet, managed by the main contractor Turkish Aerospace Industries, are progressing as planned.

According to Anadolu Agency, Guler emphasized that efforts to create a domestically produced engine for the aircraft are also advancing in line with the established timeline. The KAAN, formerly known as TF-X, symbolizes the peak of Turkish aerospace engineering.

The KAAN is a fifth-generation, multi-role combat aircraft characterized by its high maneuverability, low radar visibility, AI-powered avionics, and advanced network-centric warfare capabilities. The aircraft accomplished its maiden flight in February 2024, which was succeeded by a second flight in May of the same year. It is anticipated to become operational by 2028.