TUSAŞ announced that its KAAN fighter jet has successfully completed the pre-flight taxi test of its latest prototype. Footage shared on social media showed the aircraft moving under its own power during the ground test, conducted under the supervision of technical personnel. TUSAŞ confirmed the test's success but did not disclose additional technical details to the public.

TUSAŞ stands as a leading organization in Turkey's defense aerospace sector. Established in 1994, the company has progressed from F-16 production, maintenance, and modernization to indigenous design and development initiatives. The KAAN program represents one of TUSAŞ's most comprehensive and strategically significant projects, designed to address the Turkish Air Force's future operational requirements. The company's accumulated expertise in this field plays a critical role in integrating fifth-generation technologies.

KAAN is designed as a fifth-generation multirole fighter aircraft offering beyond-visual-range air-to-air combat capability, precision strike missions, and advanced combat performance supported by artificial intelligence and neural network technologies. Developed with a twin-engine architecture, the aircraft possesses the capacity to perform both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Taxi tests represent a critical phase in validating the aircraft's fundamental system functions and directional controls at ground level, serving as an essential step before proceeding to flight testing.

The KAAN program represents a strategic milestone for Turkish defense industry. Intended to replace the aging F-16 fleet, this aircraft will significantly enhance the nation's air defense and air superiority capabilities. Maintaining a high domestication rate contributes to the development of Turkey's defense industry ecosystem. ASELSAN, ROKETSAN, and other domestic suppliers participate in developing critical components including avionics, sensors, and weapon systems.

KAAN conducted its maiden flight in February 2024, remaining airborne for 13 minutes. The aircraft completed its second test flight in May of the same year, achieving a flight duration of 14 minutes, an altitude of 10,000 feet, and a speed of 230 knots. The program, equipped with P1 and P2 prototypes, continues development with more advanced system architectures. TUSAŞ plans to deliver the first KAAN aircraft to the Turkish Air Force by the end of 2028, with indigenous engine technology expected to power the aircraft from the 2030s onward. When compared to fifth-generation platforms globally such as the F-35, Rafale, and Gripen, KAAN will position Turkey as a significant regional air power actor.