IDEF 2021: F-35 is out but what is next for Turkey? (Defence Insight analysis)
Turkish military aircraft ambitions remain undimmed despite ongoing US sanctions.
The future combat readiness of the Turkish Air Force (TAF) is structured around two distinct combat aircraft platforms. A high-end stealth fighter jet is expected to constitute 25% of the future combat aircraft inventory, with the remaining 75% estimated to be filled with 4.5th-generation fixed-wing fighters.
For the latter, Turkish Aerospace is working on the TF-X programme, known as Milli Muharip Uçak (MMU), that was unveiled in 2010. TF-X is going to replace the ageing F-16 inventory in TAF service. Turkey will purchase more than 250 TF-X aircraft between 2029-2040. A first flight is scheduled in Q3 2026, according
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Personalised news alerts
- Daily and weekly newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from IDEF 2021 News
-
![IDEF 2021: ASFAT unveils convertible version of Hisar OPV]()
IDEF 2021: ASFAT unveils convertible version of Hisar OPV
ASFAT's design concept envisages an extensive armament and sensor package that could be fitted to OPVs to enhance their capabilities in a conflict scenario,
-
![IDEF 2021: TAI reports progress on fixed- and rotary-wing programmes]()
IDEF 2021: TAI reports progress on fixed- and rotary-wing programmes
CEO announces 2023 milestone plans for Hürjet, TF-X and ATAK, while programme manager confirms ASW variant of Aksungur UAV will have sonobouy deployment capability.
-
![IDEF 2021: Turkish weapon systems debut on new Turkmenistan corvette]()
IDEF 2021: Turkish weapon systems debut on new Turkmenistan corvette
The Dearsan-designed Deniz Han is the first ship to be equipped with Aselsan's Gökdeniz CIWS, a navalised version of the Korkut tracked SP anti-aircraft gun.
-
![IDEF 2021: Meteksan introduces Kapan counter-drone system]()
IDEF 2021: Meteksan introduces Kapan counter-drone system
Improvements to the counter-drone system centre on improved C2 software and drone detection radar.
-
![IDEF 2021: Havelsan hopes Digital Troops will transform battlefield networking]()
IDEF 2021: Havelsan hopes Digital Troops will transform battlefield networking
Havelsan's new networked system concept for infantry combines training, exoskeletons and integrated unmanned systems.
-
![IDEF 2021: STM details small submarine design for foreign customer]()
IDEF 2021: STM details small submarine design for foreign customer
The 42m STM500 will be armed with four torpedo tubes and includes SOF infil/exfil among its intended mission sets.
