The National Combat Aircraft (MMU), one of Türkiye’s most ambitious aerospace projects, is preparing to reach a major milestone. Professor Fahrettin Öztürk, Deputy General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), stated during an online seminar that the aircraft is expected to start its engine and roll out of the hangar in 2023. The achievement marks a crucial step toward Türkiye joining the exclusive group of nations capable of producing a fifth-generation fighter jet.

Öztürk highlighted that TUSAŞ’ projects have accelerated significantly since 2005, underscoring the development of the HÜRKUŞ trainer aircraft, its armed version HÜRKUŞ-C and the jet trainer Hürjet, planned for its first flight at the end of 2022. The armed “Combat-C” variant of Hürjet also stands as an important milestone in Türkiye’s rapidly expanding aerospace capabilities. In the helicopter segment, the T-129 ATAK, T-70, the fully Turkish-designed Gökbey and the heavy-class T-929 attack helicopter continue progressing at full speed.

For the MMU, one of the largest engineering teams in Turkish aviation history is at work, with nearly 1,000 engineers currently involved. The fighter jet is expected to perform its maiden flight in 2025 or 2026. Entry into service is projected between 2028 and 2030. While the first prototypes will use F-16 engines, Türkiye is simultaneously advancing domestic engine development through TEI and TR Motor, aiming to equip later versions with an indigenous powerplant.

Öztürk also noted Türkiye’s global success in unmanned aerial systems, citing ANKA and other UAVs as strong examples of national engineering capabilities, with the first ANKA export to Tunisia soon to be delivered. Beyond aircraft, TUSAŞ actively contributes to space programs such as Göktürk-2 and Türksat 6A, and manufactures components for major global aircraft platforms, including Airbus and Boeing. The company’s long-standing work on the F-35 center fuselage further demonstrates its structural engineering expertise.

Emphasizing TUSAŞ’s strong research focus, Öztürk stated that the company ranks first in Türkiye in R&D expenditures, with investments reaching nearly 40% of its budget. As the company looks to expand its 15-billion-dollar business volume even further, sustainable R&D growth remains a top priority. The MMU project, alongside other indigenous aerospace programs, is expected to significantly strengthen Türkiye’s technological independence and global competitiveness.