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Our goal is to finish the first prototype in the first quarter of next year and to start flight tests,” says TAI chief executive Mehmet Demiroglu. That aircraft will be
followed by a second prototype due to get airborne in mid-2026, and then a third following early in 2027.
“We have promised a very challenging timeline for our air force.
We are still shooting for 2028… ish,” he says, with the exact date to be driven
by factors also including the airframer’s supply chain – issues there already have seen it slip its schedule for the first prototype’s debut sortie beyond the end of this year.
“That is the challenging part, but we are still maintaining that [delivery] target, so that we don’t relax,” he notes.
Indonesia also recently emerged as a second buyer for the Kaan, with the nation wanting to acquire up to 48 jets.
“I am delighted,” Demiroglu says of Jakarta’s backing. While the exact strength of the commitment had been the subject of some uncertainty, he clarifies:
“It is an order. There are some technical requirements that we need to finalise, but from a decision-making point of view it is done.
“The details are basically decided in general – the number of aircraft, technology transfer, the offset requirement – but we are discussing more details and trying to finalise it within a couple of months.”
“What we have done in the past tells [buyers] that they can trust Turkish Aerospace, and the fact that the Turkish air force has already decided to buy this aircraft for their future use tells everybody that they can trust this aircraft as well,” he says. “Whatever you are asking, this will deliver.”
He is also optimistic of signing additional customers. “If not this year, then early next year we will hear something as big as Indonesia… from a nearby country,” he indicates.
KAI TAI has previously also promoted the Kaan to Malaysia.
The lead prototype of Turkish Aerospace's ambitious Kaan fighter remains on track to enter flight testing early next year, as the developer works towards achieving the type's service introduction later this decade.
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