Engine deal and production timeline
Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), announced that the US has granted export approval for 80 F110 engines to be used in the serial production of Turkey's KAAN fighter jet. The development marks a critical milestone for the program, often dubbed the 'Flying Ferrari' by local media. Demiroğlu stated that the approval secures the engine supply chain and keeps the production schedule on track.
F110 engine capabilities
The F110 engines, manufactured by General Electric, are high-thrust turbofan engines also used in F-16 fighters. For KAAN, they will enable supersonic speeds and high maneuverability in its initial variants. The order of 80 units ensures sufficient power plants for the first production batch, with deliveries expected to begin in 2027.
KAAN's strategic role
KAAN is Turkey's fifth-generation stealth fighter program, designed to reduce reliance on foreign arms and bolster domestic aerospace capabilities. After its maiden flight in 2024, the aircraft continues test flights in 2026. Serial production is planned to gradually replace Turkey's aging F-16 fleet, with the first deliveries to the Turkish Air Force expected by the end of the decade.
Domestic engine development
Long-term plans call for a Turkish-made engine to power KAAN, with joint efforts by TRMotor and TUSAŞ making progress in 2026. However, using the F110 for initial production runs allows the program to avoid delays. The indigenous engine is expected to be integrated in the 2030s, further enhancing Turkey's defense independence. Analysts note that the US export approval signals continued defense cooperation between Ankara and Washington despite past tensions.
