05.09.2026 14:20
In his statement, Emre Yaban, Chief Engineer of Türkiye's national fighter jet KAAN, listed the F-22, Russia's Su-57, and China's J-20 among aircraft in the same class as KAAN. Highlighting KAAN's air-to-air, maneuverability, and stealth capabilities, Yaban stated that their main goals are not limited to the 5th generation and explained the roadmap extending to 6th generation fighter jets.
KAAN's chief engineer Emre Yaban made striking evaluations regarding the targeted capabilities of the national fighter jet developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ). While listing KAAN's rivals, Yaban also revealed the project's long-term goal.
HE LISTED F-22, SU-57, AND J-20 ONE BY ONE
While describing fighter jets in KAAN's class, Emre Yaban cited the US F-22, Russia's Su-57, and China's J-20 as examples. Yaban said, "In our class, there are aircraft such as the F-22, the Russian Su-57, and the Chinese J-20."
"OUR MANEUVERABILITY WILL BE MUCH HIGHER"
Yaban also touched on KAAN's targeted flight and combat features, emphasizing air-to-air missions and maneuverability. Yaban said, "Our air-to-air and maneuverability capabilities will be much higher." Stating that KAAN is aimed not only to have the capacity to engage air targets but also to achieve high capabilities in flight performance, Yaban also spoke about the aircraft's stealth feature.
"IT WILL BE AN AIRCRAFT WITH MUCH HIGHER STEALTH CAPABILITY"
Referring to low observability technology, a prominent feature of fifth-generation fighter jets, KAAN's chief engineer said, "It will be an aircraft with much higher stealth capability." Yaban also drew attention to the number of countries capable of developing fifth-generation fighter jets worldwide, stating, "Currently, only four countries have been able to develop fifth-generation fighter jets."
HE REVEALED THE MAIN GOAL: 6TH GENERATION
One of the most striking points in Emre Yaban's statements was about the future of the KAAN project. Stating that Turkey's goal is not limited to developing a fifth-generation fighter jet, Yaban said, "In fact, our main aim is not the 5th generation, but to build the infrastructure for the path to the 6th generation."