The TAI KAAN (TF-X / F-X) is a 5th generation multirole fighter designed by TAI for Turkish air superiority, stealth, and strike operations – twin-engine, AESA radar, supercruise.
The TAI Kaan (TF-X / F-X) is a 5th generation twin-engine multirole fighter aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Designed to replace the F-16 Fighting Falcon in Turkish Air Force service, it features stealth geometry, internal weapon bays, supercruise capability, and an AESA radar system. The aircraft integrates a digital cockpit, sensor fusion, artificial intelligence support, and network-centric warfare compatibility. It measures approximately 21 meters (68.9 ft) in length, with a 14-meter (45.9 ft) wingspan. Maximum take-off weight exceeds 27,000 kg (59,524 lb). Powered initially by two General Electric F110-GE-129 engines (each producing 29,000 lbf / 129 kN), it is expected to transition to an indigenous engine in the future. Its operational range exceeds 1,100 nautical miles (2,037 km). TAI Kaan aims to be operational by 2028, offering strategic autonomy and export potential. It will conduct air-to-air, air-to-ground, and electronic warfare missions, including beyond visual range (BVR) engagements.
History of the development of the TAI Kaan (TF-X / F-X)
The TAI Kaan program, also known as TF-X or F-X, was initiated to create a domestically manufactured 5th generation fighter aircraft for the Turkish Air Force. The roots of the program trace back to 2010, with the Undersecretariat for Defence Industries (SSM) launching feasibility studies. In 2011, the Turkish government formally approved the conceptual design phase.
During this period, Turkey’s fleet relied heavily on U.S.-made F-16s and aging F-4 Phantom IIs. The need for a new generation fighter capable of operating independently of U.S. export restrictions became increasingly urgent, especially after Turkey’s involvement in the F-35 Lightning II program was suspended in 2019, following Ankara’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system.
TAI partnered with Saab in 2013 to develop conceptual designs. Three initial configurations were studied: a single-engine configuration, a twin-engine configuration, and a canard delta-wing configuration. The Turkish Air Force favored the twin-engine design due to enhanced thrust, survivability, and payload.
The final configuration features a twin-engine multirole fighter, integrating stealth shaping, AESA radar, sensor fusion, and supercruise. The AESA radar system is being developed by ASELSAN, and Tusas Engine Industries (TEI) has been tasked with future engine development. However, early prototypes will use General Electric F110-GE-129 engines.
In 2017, TAI signed a contract with BAE Systems valued at £100 million for technical consultancy and engineering support. This agreement provided input on design, systems integration, and production methodology.
On March 16, 2023, the aircraft performed its first engine test run, followed by taxi trials. The first flight took place on February 21, 2024, at TAI’s facilities near Ankara. The aircraft will undergo several years of testing before entering full-rate production.
The NATO reporting name for the aircraft has not been publicly assigned.
Turkey plans to induct over 250 units to replace its F-16 fleet by 2035, while also considering the platform for export markets, especially in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa.
Design of the TAI Kaan (TF-X / F-X)
The TAI Kaan features a low-observable airframe optimized for radar signature reduction and aerodynamics. The aircraft has a length of 21 meters (68.9 ft), a wingspan of 14 meters (45.9 ft), and a height of 6 meters (19.6 ft). The airframe incorporates internal weapons bays, a V-tail configuration, and planform alignment to reduce radar cross-section (RCS).
The composite structure makes up over 80% of the airframe by surface area, using carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) materials. These materials reduce weight and enhance structural strength. The airframe is designed to sustain high g-loads (up to +9g) and features a fly-by-wire flight control system with quad-redundancy.
The cockpit design integrates a large area display (LAD) similar to those in F-35 and Su-57, supported by voice command interface, helmet-mounted display (HMD), and touchscreen controls. It is designed for high situational awareness and compatibility with data-link networks, enabling coordinated operations with UAVs and other platforms.
The air inlet design is optimized for low-observable performance, with diverterless supersonic inlets (DSI) to minimize radar reflection and reduce engine infrared signatures. These design elements offer operational advantages in beyond visual range (BVR) combat and air dominance scenarios.
The landing gear is reinforced for aircraft carrier compatibility, although no naval variant has been announced. Weapon carriage is conducted via two internal weapon bays and six external hardpoints, enabling a mixed stealth/non-stealth configuration as required by mission parameters.
One limitation is the airframe’s reliance on imported engines during early production stages. Indigenous propulsion will only be available from 2030s, pending TEI development. This could reduce full stealth performance due to IR emissions from legacy engines.
Overall, the design offers high survivability, low detection probability, and flexible mission configurations while incorporating scalable avionics architecture for upgrades.
Performance of the TAI Kaan (TF-X / F-X)
The TAI Kaan is powered by two General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engines, each producing 29,000 lbf (129 kN) with afterburner. The combined thrust enables supercruise at Mach 1.4 without afterburner, although maximum speed with afterburner reaches Mach 2.0, approximately 2,470 km/h (1,535 mph).
The maximum takeoff weight is over 27,000 kg (59,524 lb), with an internal fuel capacity of approximately 6,000 kg (13,227 lb). The combat radius is estimated at 600 nautical miles (1,111 km), with a ferry range exceeding 2,000 nautical miles (3,700 km) using external tanks.
The service ceiling exceeds 55,000 ft (16,764 m), allowing operations in high-altitude environments. The rate of climb is projected at 60,000 ft/min (304.8 m/s), comparable to F-22 performance levels.
The flight control system is fully digital, with artificial intelligence support to assist with threat detection, countermeasures deployment, and mission planning. The avionics suite includes multifunction radar, electro-optical targeting systems, infrared search and track (IRST), electronic warfare systems, and sensor fusion interface.
In comparison to other 5th generation fighters:
- The F-22 Raptor has higher thrust but shorter range.
- The Su-57 Felon offers greater payload but lower stealth.
- The Chengdu J-20 features longer range but less agility.
The Kaan positions itself between these platforms with balanced performance, advanced electronics, and modular architecture. While not outperforming in one specific area, it delivers multi-domain effectiveness suitable for regional air superiority and long-range strike missions.
Its AESA radar developed by ASELSAN provides electronic beam steering, ground moving target indication, air-to-air tracking, and jamming resistance. Integrated systems support cyber-resilient operations in contested electromagnetic environments.
Once paired with indigenous engines, full stealth and powerplant performance could match or exceed competitors in its class.
Variants of the TAI Kaan (TF-X / F-X)
Currently, the TAI Kaan program focuses on three main variants:
- Kaan Block 0 (Prototype/Pre-Series):
Initial test aircraft with limited systems integration. Powered by F110-GE-129 engines, used for flight trials, radar testing, and avionics evaluation. No operational combat capability. - Kaan Block 1 (Initial Operational Configuration):
First production variant to be delivered by 2028. Integrates full stealth geometry, AESA radar, internal weapons carriage, and digital cockpit. Limited indigenous component integration; still reliant on foreign engines and some systems. - Kaan Block 2/3 (Upgraded Operational Variant):
Planned for 2032-2035, with indigenous TEI-developed engine, extended range, enhanced electronic warfare suite, high-speed data links, and unmanned teaming capability (MUM-T). Capable of controlling drones via onboard AI-assisted systems. Additional improvements to stealth coating and avionics planned.
Future proposals include two-seat trainer variants and potential carrier-capable version, though neither is in production planning.
Military missions of the TAI Kaan (TF-X / F-X)
The TAI Kaan is configured for a wide spectrum of missions. It is designed to carry short-range air-to-air missiles (e.g., Gökdoğan, AIM-9X), beyond visual range missiles (e.g., Bozdoğan, AIM-120 AMRAAM), precision-guided munitions (e.g., SOM cruise missile, HGK/GK guided bombs), and electronic warfare pods.
Normal-time missions include:
- Air policing
- Intercept and escort
- Electronic intelligence (ELINT)
- Combat air patrol (CAP)
- Command and control relay via AI datalinks
Conflict missions include:
- Air superiority
- Deep strike operations
- Suppression of enemy air defenses (SEAD)
- Maritime interdiction
- UAV command and coordination in MUM-T doctrine
The aircraft’s internal weapon bays ensure stealth configuration for initial strike packages, while external pylons can be used for full-load missions when stealth is not a priority.
Compared to peers:
- F-35 excels in multirole but has lower speed.
- Su-57 offers heavier payload but lacks Western avionics integration.
- J-20 is optimized for long-range but less versatile in agile combat.
The Kaan offers a balanced strike/fighter platform suitable for both high-end and regional combat scenarios. It is modular, with network-centric warfare systems, enabling integration with AWACS, UAVs, and satellite ISR platforms.
No official export contracts have been signed, but Azerbaijan, Indonesia, and Pakistan have shown interest. The aircraft is expected to serve beyond 2050, unless replaced by unmanned systems or 6th generation aircraft.
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