Turkey’s defense and aerospace industry is entering a critical phase as several indigenous air platforms approach operational readiness. Within this framework, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is preparing to move its flagship projects—HÜRKUŞ, HÜRJET and ANKA III—from development and testing into serial production and delivery. Speaking to the press, TUSAŞ CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu described 2025 as a “super year,” emphasizing that the achievements of the past year will translate into concrete deliveries beginning in 2026.

Demiroğlu highlighted the export agreement for the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet to Indonesia as one of the most significant milestones in the history of the Turkish Republic, with a value approaching 15 billion dollars. He also underlined the importance of the 30-aircraft HÜRJET deal with Spain, noting that Türkiye had, for the first time, successfully exported a jet trainer aircraft to a NATO member country. Alongside these developments, sales of ANKA and AKSUNGUR unmanned aerial vehicles continued, while ANKA III achieved several testing “firsts,” reinforcing confidence in Türkiye’s unmanned systems portfolio.

Looking ahead, Demiroğlu stressed that TUSAŞ’s main priority is no longer just selling platforms, but delivering them on time. The company is shifting its focus decisively toward serial production, aiming to increase the pace of deliveries for HÜRJET, HÜRKUŞ and unmanned systems. In this context, mass production of the GÖKBEY helicopter has already begun, while new HÜRJET configurations are scheduled to enter flight testing. Meanwhile, the KAAN program is set to reach a major milestone with the P1 and P2 prototypes beginning intensive flight tests within the year.

One of the most anticipated projects is ANKA III, Türkiye’s next-generation unmanned combat aircraft. Based on lessons learned from the first prototype, the platform has been significantly updated. According to Demiroğlu, the redesigned ANKA III will feature enhanced low-observable, “stealthier” characteristics. Serial production has already started, and the aircraft is expected to conduct its first flight in its final configuration within the year, with operational flights planned toward the end of 2026.

Concrete delivery plans also stand out in the HÜRKUŞ program. TUSAŞ plans to deliver a total of 22 HÜRKUŞ aircraft within 2026 alone. As for HÜRJET, the first flight of the initial delivery configuration is expected in the first half of 2026. By 2027, test activities for this configuration are planned to be completed, paving the way for full-scale deliveries. TUSAŞ management believes that as these platforms enter service more rapidly, new export opportunities will emerge in 2026–2027, further strengthening Türkiye’s position in the global defense aviation market.