The new leader of Turkish Aerospace (TAI) suggests that testing with the developmental Kaan fighter will likely gain steam from late 2025, as the company also looks at the next potential variant of the Hurjet advanced jet trainer.
Mehmet Demiroglu, formerly the head of TAI’s helicopter business, stepped into the company’s top job in mid-June with the departure of Temel Kotil, a leader who oversaw its transformation into one of the world’s most ambitious aerospace firms.
Demiroglu says the company has received international interest in the full range of its products, such as the Kaan, Hurjet, and the T625 Gokbey helicopter.
“Business development is a long process… and relationships are important,” says Demiroglu.
“The biggest factor in international sales is whether that platform is used in your country. Is it in your inventory or not? That’s the first question. If the answer is yes, you proceed to the second or third question.”
Regarding the Kaan, which first flew in February, Demiroglu concedes that the sole existing aircraft was not originally built to fly as a prototype, which limits the amount it can fly.
“We did lots and lots of changes so that it can fly,” he says. The aircraft will not, however, perform as many flights as the Hurjet prototype, which flew 60 times in its first year.
Subsequent Kaan prototypes – which Demiroglu refers to as “prototype one” and “prototype two” – will perform far more sorties. The next Kaan prototype is in production and will be rolled out next year, with a first flight planned for the fourth quarter of 2025.
The Kaan is powered by two GE Aerospace F414 engines, but an indigenous engine will be developed for the aircraft.
The company is also doing work related to the possible development of unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV) that could one day accompany the Kaan. Work has included tests involving a Hurjet and the stealthy Anka III UCAV, a delta-shaped aircraft that had its first flight in December 2023.
During the air show, GE and TAI announced that the F404 engine will be integrated into new variants of the Hurjet.
Asked about new variants, Demiroglu stresses that the prime mission of the Hurjet is as an advanced jet trainer: “The first priority of Hurjet is training. That’s what it’s designed for, and that’s what we’re going to build for. And there is huge interest and a huge gap in the world for that type of aircraft.”
Still, Demiroglu indicates that the next variant of the Hurjet will serve in the light attack mission. The company is already conducting early work related to the possible variant.
