Turkey’s national fighter jet KAAN is designed as a fifth-generation combat aircraft and is expected to become one of the most critical elements of the Turkish Air Force in the coming years. According to the announced project schedule, the first KAAN aircraft are planned to enter the inventory by the end of 2028, with deliveries to the squadrons starting in 2029. This timeline marks a significant step toward strengthening Türkiye’s air-combat capabilities with an indigenous platform.

The development process reached an important milestone with the first flight in 2024, validating the jet’s aerodynamic structure and core systems. From 2026 onward, additional prototypes will expand the flight-test program, including radar-signature reduction work, sensor fusion testing, weapons integration and advanced avionics verification. Between 2028 and 2029, the Block-10 initial production aircraft will be delivered and begin service with limited operational capability. Throughout the 2030s, KAAN is expected to reach full maturity with a domestically developed engine and advanced block configurations, shaping Türkiye’s next-generation air-power strategy.