The Austrian Armed Forces is looking for a successor for its Tranche 1 Eurofighter. According to Militär Aktuell research a total of seven fourth and fifth generation candidates – including the Kaan from TAI, an underdog from Turkey.
Christened Kaan in 2023, the Turkish fighter aircraft program is based on TAI/Turkish Aerospace’s TF-X (Turkish Fighter Experimental), which was launched in 2011. Kaan is an ambitious newcomer claiming 5th generation capabilities and shares conceptual parallels with the Korean KF-21.
Unlike the KF-21, however, Kaan is still at an advanced stage of development and testing; the aim is to achieve the full characteristics of the 5th generation by 2032. The project is considered a prestigious geopolitical project for Ankara – but at the same time technically, financially and diplomatically challenging.
The roll-out took place in 2023and the successful maiden flight took place on February 21, 2024 took place. The second prototype is currently undergoing system integration tests, while further test flights for the so-called Block 10 configuration with limited 5th generation functions are planned on an ongoing basis.
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The other Eurofighter successor candidates for the Austrian Armed Forces
- The all-rounder: F-35A from Lockheed Martin
- The logical choice: Eurofighter Neo
- The most efficient: Saab Gripen E/F
- The underdog: Rafale F5
- The exotic: KAI KF-21
- The surprise candidate: F-16 Block 70
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Many subsystems are largely developed nationally; radar and avionics programs are therefore complex and time-consuming. The armament is also to come primarily from the dynamic Turkish arms industry: planned air-to-air missiles include the Bozdoğan short-range IR missile and the Gökdoğan active radar-BVR from the Göktuğ program, as well as air-to-ground weapons such as the SOM-J cruise missile, HGK laser-guided bombs and the Akbaba anti-radar missile.
Kaan
Manufacturer Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)
Engine Two engines planned
Performance Specific thrust values not yet finally published
Top speed Mach 1.8 – 2.0
Armament Internal weapons bay, air-to-air and air-to-ground loads, on-board cannon
Span 14.00 meters
Length 21.00 meters
The engine remains a key issue: the prototypes fly with the US turbofan GE F414, but series production from the USA is considered unlikely. A domestic turbofan (TF35000) is therefore planned, which will be developed at TEI/TUSAŞ Engine Industries in Eskişehir – a technologically critical and time-defining factor for the program.
Kaan’s export success so far has been limited: the only contractually confirmed customer is Indonesiawhich signed a major order early on (48 units plus 12 options) – a significant deal for Turkey so far worth tens of billions.
Overall, Kaan is perceived internationally as an attractively priced alternative for countries that do not want to – or are not allowed to – purchase US systems for political or budgetary reasons. However, whether the project fulfills its ambitions and actually advances into the circle of established 5th generation platforms depends largely on the still unresolved engine issue, the maturity of the domestic subsystems and long-term production and export capability.
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