Turkey will consider creating a carrier-based version of the KAAN fighter jet

Turkey will consider creating a carrier-based version of the KAAN fighter jet based on a domestic aircraft carrier.

ULU Savunma reported on this.

Relevant discussions are ongoing between the Turkish Navy’s design office and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

The promising Turkish KAAN fighter jet was designed to take off and land from conventional ground runways.

Therefore, the carrier-based version must be modified to take off and land on an aircraft carrier’s flight deck.

If the carrier-based version of the KAAN fighter jet is developed, these combat aircraft will be based on Turkey’s first MUGEM aircraft carrier, which began construction on January 2, 2025.

The 285-meter-long aircraft carrier with a displacement of 60,000 tons will demonstrate the achievements of Turkey’s naval potential.

The ship is designed to accommodate 50 aircraft, including drones. Of these, 30 aircraft can be stored in its under-deck hangar and 20 on the flight deck. This number can be increased if necessary.

The future aircraft carrier’s ability to reach a maximum speed of 25 knots and a range of 10,000 nautical miles will enable it to participate in regional and global operations in the open ocean.

KAAN

The prototype of the advanced KAAN fighter jet, considered the fifth generation in Turkey, made its first flight in February last year.

The aircraft is being developed in stages, so important weapons systems will be installed only on later prototypes. The fighter jet, which was previously known as MMU (Milli Muharip Ucak) or TF-X, was officially named KAAN on May 1, 2023.

Turkish developers are aiming to create a combat aircraft that will have low radar visibility and high maneuverability. It will have a modern optical-electronic localization system and an onboard radar. The production of three Block prototypes is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026 and one Block I prototype by 2029.