Turkey’s fifth-generation KAAN National Combat Aircraft continues to attract international attention, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) becoming the latest country to express interest. During IDEX 2025, one of the world’s leading defense exhibitions held in Abu Dhabi, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) stood out as a major participant, drawing strong interest from both regional and global defense delegations.

Speaking to TRT Haber, TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu shared new details about Turkey’s growing defense partnerships in the Gulf region. Demiroğlu confirmed that the UAE is not only interested in KAAN but also in other Turkish platforms such as the ATAK helicopter, HÜRKUŞ trainer aircraft, and the ANKA-3 unmanned combat aircraft.

He revealed that TUSAŞ has already signed an agreement with the UAE-based Calidus company to cooperate on the HÜRKUŞ project, adding that “We have agreed on a framework for co-producing and developing the aircraft together. Beyond that, both sides are exploring the idea of developing a completely new joint air platform, and the UAE has shown strong enthusiasm for this collaboration.”

Demiroğlu noted that the UAE had previously tested the ATAK helicopter and was highly impressed by its performance. Although discussions slowed for a while, he confirmed that talks have recently resumed with renewed momentum. The UAE has also shown keen interest in the stealthy ANKA-3 UAV, with possible cooperation in advanced UAV technologies.

Regarding the KAAN program, Demiroğlu emphasized that international partnerships are natural for such a large-scale project. “We are already working closely with Saudi Arabia, but now the UAE could also join as a partner. They have expressed genuine interest in the project at the highest levels,” he said.

He also provided an update on KAAN’s progress: the second prototype is scheduled to fly by the end of 2025, followed by the third prototype in early 2026. The first deliveries are targeted for 2028, marking a major step for Turkey’s aerospace ambitions and its role in next-generation fighter development.

The UAE’s interest in KAAN reflects not only potential defense cooperation but also recognition of Turkey’s technological maturity and TUSAŞ’s growing global footprint in the aerospace sector.