Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is preparing for a historic milestone with the upcoming maiden flight of Türkiye’s national combat aircraft, KAAN. TUSAŞ CEO Temel Kotil announced that the aircraft will soon take to the skies, describing the development as a turning point for the Turkish defense and aerospace sector. KAAN represents Türkiye’s most ambitious step toward producing a fifth-generation fighter jet and reducing foreign dependency in strategic defense technologies.

The year 2023 was marked by significant achievements for TUSAŞ. The company successfully carried out flight tests with the HÜRJET advanced trainer, the ATAK II attack helicopter, and the ANKA III unmanned combat aerial vehicle. While highlighting these successes, Kotil also touched on humanitarian concerns, stressing the importance of peace alongside technological progress in the defense sector.

TUSAŞ has also experienced remarkable growth in terms of infrastructure and human resources. With approximately 17,000 employees—including 7,000 engineers and 6,000 technicians—the company has positioned itself as a major force in global aerospace. The KAAN program is seen as the clearest reflection of this capacity, showcasing Türkiye’s determination to build a fully indigenous next-generation fighter.

On the export front, TUSAŞ has also made significant strides. Once limited to producing aircraft components for foreign companies, it now designs and exports complete defense systems. Kotil emphasized that this transformation will accelerate in the coming years, with KAAN playing a central role in boosting Türkiye’s presence in international defense markets.

The successful maiden flight of KAAN will not only symbolize a technological leap for Türkiye but also reshape regional and global defense balances. As a project aimed at ensuring strategic independence and reinforcing Türkiye’s aerospace ambitions, KAAN is expected to stand as a landmark achievement in the history of the country’s defense industry.