The National Combat Aircraft project, KAAN, one of Türkiye’s most prestigious defense initiatives, is gaining strength not only through the efforts of major defense companies but also with the active participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Under the leadership of the OSTIM Defense and Aviation Cluster (OSSA), SMEs are taking on critical tasks, enhancing their own capabilities while contributing to Türkiye’s independence in defense and aerospace technologies.

According to OSSA Chairman and DORA Makina General Manager İbrahim Yarsan, KAAN’s maiden flight was not only a milestone for Türkiye’s engineering capacity but also a demonstration of the critical role SMEs play. He emphasized that KAAN represents both challenges and opportunities for SMEs, giving them the chance to develop expertise that will enable their involvement in future high-tech defense projects.

SMEs are becoming increasingly vital in Türkiye’s defense ecosystem. High-technology projects like KAAN not only expand their industrial capacity but also strengthen the nation’s technological base. This growing involvement reduces foreign dependency and increases Türkiye’s competitiveness in the global defense market.

Looking ahead, the Industrial Cooperation Days in Defense and Aerospace (ICDDA), to be held in Ankara on April 17–19, will showcase the potential of SMEs and highlight their role in advancing strategic projects such as KAAN. The event is expected to foster new partnerships between Turkish firms and international defense companies, creating wider opportunities for collaboration and growth.