During an interview on CNN Türk on February 15, 2024, the Ukrainian Ambassador to Türkiye, Vasyl Bodnar, revealed that Ukraine has expressed its intention to acquire and deploy the Turkish Kaan (‘King’) fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. Ambassador Bodnar discussed the partnership, noting that Ukrainian engineers are also involved in the development of a jet engine for the Kaan aircraft.
This initiative is part of a wider collaboration, reflecting a history of defense and technological cooperation between Türkiye and Ukraine. To supply the engine for the Kaan jet, Ukrainian companies have established a consortium to compete with other global and Turkish firms.
The collaboration on the Kaan engine between Ukraine and Türkiye is described by Ambassador Bodnar as mutually beneficial. He mentioned the advantages of domestic production capabilities, which are intended to improve the global competitiveness of both nations. Additionally, Bodnar suggested that the Kaan could be competitive with other advanced aircraft such as the F-35 Lightning II and F-22 Raptor. Ukraine’s approach to the acquisition of Kaan jets is described by the ambassador as comprehensive, planning for both purchase and effective deployment to enhance national defense.
The Kaan fighter is part of Türkiye’s National Combat Aircraft program, which began in 2017, aimed at enhancing the nation’s defense infrastructure. It is designed with the intention to surpass the capabilities of the American F-35 jets and is planned to replace the Turkish Air Force’s existing F-16 fighters. The program has faced delays, with the initial flight of the Kaan prototype postponed from late December 2023 or early January 2024 to March, due to unspecified reasons requiring further ground tests. Serial production is anticipated to start in 2028.
The TAI TF Kaan, initially referred to as TF-X or Turkish Fighter (TF) and also known as Milli Muharip Uçak (National Combat Aircraft), is being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) with assistance from BAE Systems. The project aims to create a stealth, twin-engine, all-weather, air superiority fighter to succeed the Turkish Air Force’s F-16 Fighting Falcons and to operate alongside contemporary aircraft like the F-35 Lightning II, with potential for international sales.