Operational Purpose and Role

KAAN is primarily designed as an air superiority fighter with multirole capabilities. Its core mission set includes:

• Air-to-air dominance
• Deep precision strike
• Suppression and destruction of enemy air defenses SEAD/DEAD
• Network-enabled operations
• Advanced situational awareness in contested environments

The aircraft is optimized for operations in high-threat environments protected by modern integrated air defense systems.

Doctrine and Concept of Operations

KAAN is being developed around a network-centric warfare doctrine. The platform is expected to operate as part of an integrated battlespace including:

• Airborne early warning assets
• Ground-based radar networks
• Air defense command and control systems
• Unmanned aerial systems

Future operational concepts include manned-unmanned teaming where KAAN may control or coordinate with unmanned combat aerial vehicles.

Platform Architecture

KAAN is a twin-engine, twin-tail, low-observable fighter aircraft featuring:

• Internal weapon bays
• Diverterless supersonic inlets optimized for low radar signature
• Advanced composite materials
• Open architecture avionics

Core system components include:

• AESA radar
• Integrated electro-optical and infrared sensor systems
• Sensor fusion software
• High-speed data links
• Digital fly-by-wire flight control system

The open mission systems architecture is designed to allow future upgrades without major structural redesign.

Survivability and Low Observability

Survivability is built upon three pillars:

• Reduced radar cross section through shaping and internal weapons carriage
• Integrated electronic warfare and self-protection systems
• Enhanced situational awareness through sensor fusion

Exact radar cross section values are not publicly disclosed.

Engagement Process and Combat Effectiveness

Sensor fusion allows radar, electro-optical systems, and passive detection systems to present a unified tactical picture to the pilot.

The aircraft is expected to deploy:

• Beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles
• Within-visual-range high agility missiles
• Precision-guided air-to-ground munitions

Final certified weapon loadouts will be confirmed in later development stages.

Ecosystem Integration

KAAN is designed to integrate with Türkiye’s national defense ecosystem, including:

• Indigenous AESA radar development programs
• National missile families
• Secure tactical data links
• Air defense command networks

The aircraft represents a cornerstone of Türkiye’s long-term airpower modernization strategy.

Advantages and Limitations

Advantages

• 5th generation stealth design
• Twin-engine safety and thrust margin
• Open architecture for modernization
• Indigenous system integration potential

Limitations

• Indigenous engine development is ongoing
• Full operational capability will be phased
• Certification and testing timeline extends into the 2030s

Variants and Block Structure

KAAN is expected to follow a block development strategy:

• Early blocks powered by GE F110 engines
• Future blocks planned to incorporate a domestically developed engine

Detailed block specifications are not fully public.

Operational Status

• Rollout: 2023
• First Flight: 21 February 2024
• Serial production timeline: phased introduction in the 2030s

Technical Specifications

Dimensions

• Length: approximately 21 meters
• Wingspan: approximately 14 meters
• Maximum takeoff weight: not fully disclosed publicly

Propulsion

• 2 × General Electric F110 turbofan engines in initial blocks
• Indigenous engine under development

Performance

• Supersonic capability
• Supercruise targeted
• Service ceiling and combat radius not publicly detailed

Sensors

• Active Electronically Scanned Array AESA radar
• Electro-optical targeting system
• Infrared search and track type capability expected
• Radar warning and electronic support systems

Weapons

• Internal weapon bays
• Air-to-air and air-to-ground guided munitions
• Exact payload configuration publicly limited

Command and Control

• Secure tactical data links
• Network-centric warfare integration
• Advanced mission computer architecture

Electronic Warfare

• Integrated electronic support measures
• Self-protection jamming systems
• Detailed electronic warfare performance not publicly available

Crew

• Single pilot configuration

Frequently Asked Questions

What is KAAN designed for?

• KAAN is designed to ensure air superiority and conduct precision strike missions in high-threat environments. It is intended to replace aging 4th generation fighters.

Is KAAN a 5th generation fighter?

• Yes. It incorporates stealth shaping, internal weapons bays, sensor fusion, and network-centric warfare capabilities.

When did KAAN first fly?

• The aircraft conducted its maiden flight on 21 February 2024.

What engines does KAAN use?

• Initial blocks use GE F110 engines. A domestic engine is under development for future integration.

Does KAAN have stealth capability?

• Yes. The airframe geometry, internal weapon bays, and materials are designed to reduce radar cross section. Exact values are classified.

How does KAAN compare to other 5th generation fighters?

• While conceptually comparable to other 5th generation aircraft, full performance comparisons require final operational configuration data and certified performance metrics.

Sources

• Official TUSAŞ public statements
• Presidency of Defense Industries press releases
• Publicly released program announcements
• First flight confirmation statements February 2024