Challenges and Opportunities in Türkiye’s Kaan Fighter Development

Advancements in Kaan Prototype Production

The production of Türkiye’s Kaan fighter jet is making strides, with construction of the second prototype currently underway. Nonetheless, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) is grappling with a significant challenge: the shortage of suitable powerplants to equip the upcoming production models.

A recent photograph shared by the Turkish Armed Forces Strengthening Foundation (TSKGV) on September 26, 2025, showcased a visit to TAI’s facilities in Kahramankazan, near Ankara. In the image, the first Kaan prototype was prominently displayed alongside the second prototype, which, while lacking wings or tail assembly, demonstrated a nearly complete internal framework.

US Export Restrictions Compromise Powerplant Acquisition

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed during a press conference in New York the ongoing suspension of U.S. export licenses for powerplants critical to the Kaan program. This embargo stems from sanctions imposed under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) as a response to Türkiye’s acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system.

• The U.S. State Department enacted these sanctions on December 14, 2020, marking Türkiye’s removal from the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program due to concerns regarding interoperability and national security risks linked to hosting Russian technicians.

• Current export licenses for U.S. manufactured engines remain frozen, directly impacting the Kaan’s progression.

Geopolitical Implications of Fueling Fighter Development

Following a meeting between Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and U.S. President Donald Trump on September 25, 2025, there was speculation regarding potential easing of restrictions for F-35 purchases if Türkiye were to recalibrate its energy dealings with Russia. However, this expectation appears tenuous in light of Ankara’s commitment to the S-400 system.

Fidan echoed these concerns, stating, “Currently, both the F-35s and the engines for Kaan are effectively stalled due to the frozen export licenses. If these obstacles persist, we will need to pursue alternative suppliers to maintain development timelines.”

Future Prospects for Kaan’s Powerplant

The first Kaan prototype incorporates two General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofans sourced before the onset of U.S. sanctions. However, the scale of production will necessitate a supply of multiple engines, far exceeding the initial delivery.

To mitigate the import issue, Türkiye’s Tusaş Engine Industries (TEI) and TRMotor are jointly developing an indigenous engine—the TF35000 turbofan. However, projections suggest this will not be ready for integration until at least 2032, placing pressure on the current timeline for Kaan’s operational readiness.

Potential Alternatives

In the event the CAATSA sanctions remain unaltered, Türkiye may explore options including leveraging China’s WS series of fighter engine technology as a feasible solution. Such a pivot towards non-Western sources could reshape the dynamics of Türkiye’s defense strategy while further distancing Ankara from its NATO allies.

Strategic Ramifications Within NATO

Türkiye’s NATO membership remains complex, influenced heavily by its foreign policy divergences under the Erdoğan administration. The acquisition of the S-400 system exemplifies a broader trend of bilateral tensions between Ankara and its Western partners.

Erdoğan’s recent engagement in international forums, such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit in Tianjin with Chinese and Russian leaders, underscores Türkiye’s balancing act between East and West. This trend raises questions about the U.S. government’s willingness to facilitate the development of a Turkish fifth-generation fighter that could compete with the F-35 in the global market just a decade down the line.

Conclusion: The Path Ahead

Ultimately, the ongoing CAATSA sanctions pose a significant obstacle for Türkiye’s military aviation aspirations. If Ankara ultimately leans towards alternatives such as a Chinese engine, the geopolitical implications could redefine Turkey’s positioning and engagement within NATO, making the prospects for acquiring F-35s seemingly secondary.

As Türkiye navigates this complex landscape, its ability to innovate while maintaining strategic partnerships will be critical to the success of the Kaan program and the nation’s broader defense objectives.