Turkey has formally signed its first domestic production contract for the KAAN fifth-generation fighter while Spain has emerged as a potential future partner for the stealth aircraft program.
Turkish Aerospace (TA) signed an agreement with Turkey’s Defense Industries Secretariat covering an initial batch of 20 KAAN Block 10 fighters for the Turkish Air Force, according to comments made by TA chief executive Mehmet Demiroglu to Breaking Defense during the SAHA defense exhibition.
“The initial sale was made for the first batch of 20 Block 10 aircraft. This is the first order. Over time, we expect the numbers to increase,” Demiroglu said.
The contract follows Indonesia’s previously announced commitment for 48 KAAN fighters, making Ankara’s order the second official deal involving the aircraft.
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The KAAN program is Turkey’s flagship combat aviation effort and completed its maiden flight in February 2024.
Turkish industry used the SAHA exhibition to showcase several systems tied to the aircraft, including the domestically developed TF35000 turbofan engine being designed by TEI to eventually replace the General Electric F110 engines currently powering the prototypes.
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Prototype production of the TF35000 is expected to begin in 2027, with Turkey aiming to introduce the indigenous engine around 2032.
Alternative to FCAS
At the same time, Spain has reportedly entered preliminary discussions with Turkey regarding a possible acquisition of the fighter.
According to Spanish publication El Español, the talks remain at an early stage but involve potential technology transfer and participation by Spanish aerospace companies in the program.
The proposed structure would resemble Spain’s existing cooperation with Turkey on the Hurjet advanced trainer aircraft, which includes local industrial integration.
Under such an arrangement, Spanish companies could potentially integrate domestic systems into the KAAN platform and participate in manufacturing activities.
Spain is already involved in theFuture Combat Air System (FCAS) program alongside France and Germany, but the Turkish proposal could provide an additional path for combat aviation cooperation and technology access.
TAI sources cited by El Español said formal government-level discussions regarding KAAN could intensify after 2027 as the aircraft progresses through flight testing and approaches operational maturity.
Turkey expects to begin delivering the fighter to its air force between late 2028 and early 2029.
TA also plans to integrate collaborative combat aircraft concepts into both the KAAN and Hurjet programs, pairing manned aircraft with unmanned “loyal wingman” systems in future operations.
