Azerbaijan's integral role in Turkish TF-X Kaan fighter programme strengthens defence capabilities and strategic ties
The KAAN fighter is currently undergoing trials and will conduct its maiden flight with a pair of General Electric F110 engines and will not be flying with indigenous-produced engines until 2028. (Photo: Turkish MoD)
'By involving Azerbaijan [in the TF-X Kaan programme], Türkiye can potentially share the financial burden of the project, leading to cost savings and economic advantages for both countries,' team lead for government contracting at Tusas Engine Industries tells Shephard.
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has recently signed a National Combat Aircraft Development Collaboration Protocol with Azerbaijan. The partnership seeks to include Azerbaijan in Türkiye’s domestically developed TF-X Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet programme.
The protocol aims to determine the working principles and procedures for collaboration between the partners, including the development activities of the National Combat Aircraft.
The agreement also works towards identifying what Azerbaijan can contribute to the KAAN programme. It will help prepare for production in the right facilities and companies, improve production abilities and make it easier to share knowledge and experiences.
Azerbaijan’s contribution
Although the announcement of
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Eurofighter eyes mid-life upgrade for Typhoon jets, with production increase underway]()
Eurofighter eyes mid-life upgrade for Typhoon jets, with production increase underway
With roughly 80% of combat missions flown by Typhoons in Europe, the Eurofighter consortium is emphasising the continued relevance of its jet and wants to ramp up production to continue to deliver combat mass in light of a shifting geo-political world order.
-
![Ghost Bat drone makes first deployment in latest milestone]()
Ghost Bat drone makes first deployment in latest milestone
In the past 18 months, Boeing’s MQ-28A Ghost Bat uncrewed aerial system (UAS) has achieved several milestones including teaming with manned aircraft, achieving 100 flight hours and training of first military pilot.
-
![NATO orders two more A330 MRTT aircraft, while Sweden and Denmark join programme]()
NATO orders two more A330 MRTT aircraft, while Sweden and Denmark join programme
The order for two more aircraft for the NATO Multinational Multirole Tanker Transport (MRTT) fleet comes as Airbus considers increasing A330 MRTT production to meet demand.
