True. Block 10 will include all of those listed above plus 20 dB class stealth coating, basic MUM-T capability, and sensor fusion.
It took nearly 20 years for the F-35, from its first introduction to service in the USAF, to reach the operational capability that was promoted in before 2006, with Block 4 implemented today. TAI's new president speaks differently about the hyped and unrealistic claims of his predecessor. DIRCM was one blunt example. What I mean is that by the time the Kaan is predicted to reach a good level of operational capability, the F-35 and KF-21 won't be in the same place they are today.
Technology in the late 90s and early 2000s are inherently different compared to today's technology. Newcomers don't need 2,5 decades to develop and mature a 5th gen fighter.
Fun fact: South Korea already developed & tested DIRCM in 2018. It successfully passed operational deployment tests in 2021 & installed in military helicopters and transport aircrafts.
Azerbaijan is a partner. What can that country do to lower Turkiye's financial outlay on production? What components of KAAN could Azerbaijan mass produce?
Don’t take this number (20 years) to much seriously. It’ has more economical factors than a technological. T. Kotil said this very applicable in an interview. And gave a war time as an example, where products like this much faster developed and matured in a war time. Same goes for mass production. They can produce 2 jets in a month or 20, if necessary (war time). As a company, I would also delay the project to earn more money from the state. That’s how it goes in a free market economy.
Malaysia, maybe Egypt, Algeria or Nigeria in the future…
No Gulf states in the market for KAAN? Denied F-35, I would think they would be interested in an alternative 5G fighter.
This could also happen. Arabs doesnt care price. Just quality. For Arabs, a 'special' configuration is needed.
Unfortunately, the cadres providing consultancy services to the relevant armed forces are extensions of certain arms lobbies. Traditionally, the diplomatic support of western states is valued in royal palaces, and major military contracts are to some extent important for strengthening this support. In recent history, many astronomical contracts have been not so much for strategic military competence as for complete packages of services including all the life-cycle logistics of the systems and the monetary equivalent of political support of the countries concerned on specific issues. Recently, there are signs that this is changing, at least for a few countries, due to the influence of world politics, and there are efforts to develop at least some capabilities domestically, but I am not sure if this is enough to create a truly defense policy independent Arab country in the future. In this regard, KAAN could provide an alternative way out of the bind that some Arab countries are in.
Interesting insights.
