24.08.2026 14:51
Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of Turkish Aerospace Industries, announced that test activities will accelerate significantly with new prototypes being prepared for flight in Turkey's critical aviation projects KAAN and HÜRJET. Meanwhile, Demiroğlu stated that they are in talks with several countries, including the UK, Japan, Canada, and Malaysia, regarding HÜRJET.
KAAN and HÜRJET are preparing for one of the most intensive test programs in the Turkish defense and aviation industry in the upcoming period. TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu, in his statement within the scope of TEKNOFEST Blue Homeland, said that with the introduction of new prototypes in both platforms, the test traffic in the sky will increase significantly. On the other hand, Turkish Aerospace Industries General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu stated that they are in talks with many countries such as the UK, Japan, Canada, and Malaysia for HÜRJET.
KAAN'S TWO NEW PROTOTYPES ARE PREPARING FOR FLIGHT
While the first prototype of KAAN has previously completed its flights, work has accelerated on the second and third prototypes, which will be used in the main intensive tests.
According to the information provided by Demiroğlu, one of the prototypes has started taxi tests, while the other has moved to the final assembly line. TUSAŞ's goal is to have both prototypes ready for flight within 2026.
After the new aircraft are put into service, it is planned to conduct flight envelope expansion tests in the first phase. In the next phase, tests of configurations involving the integration of weapons and different mission systems will begin. Thus, it is envisaged that 3 KAANs will simultaneously participate in an intensive test program next year.
Demiroğlu also noted that KAAN has currently reached a localization rate of approximately 90 percent, with many systems except the engine and ejection seat developed using domestic capabilities. Tests of the domestic engine are targeted to begin around 2032.
HÜRJET FLEET WILL EXPAND TO 6 PROTOTYPES
The pace is also increasing in the HÜRJET program. The current two prototypes have completed approximately 550 hours of test flights to date.
The first two of TUSAŞ's 4 new prototypes in the production phase are planned to begin flights shortly. With the other two aircraft joining the program, a total of 6 HÜRJETs will be used simultaneously in test activities.
The delivery schedule for HÜRJET has also been clarified. It is aimed to deliver the first aircraft to the Turkish Air Force at the end of 2027 and to the Spanish Air Force in 2028.
It was also announced that negotiations regarding HÜRJET are ongoing with many countries, including the UK, Japan, Canada, and Malaysia.