Turkish indigenous fighter jet TF-X to be built at rate of two per month by 2029
First flight of the TF-X is slated for October 2024, with deliveries to the Turkish Air Force by 2028. (Photo: Turkish Aerospace)
The CEO of Turkish Aerospace, Temel Kotil, revealed a number of new details about the TF-X programme during a briefing held on 8 December.
He stated that the maiden flight of the indigenous fighter jet will be conducted on 29 October 2024, one year earlier than the initial plan, which scheduled the first flight for 2025.
He also said that first deliveries are due in 2028. ‘After 2028, starting in 2029-2030, we will begin producing two TF-X jets per month. Each year, 24 jets will be produced. These can increase exponentially as needed. It is a scalable mechanism,’ Kotil added.
He further noted that
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
September crewed air review: established platforms retain their grip on the market
With many next-generation capabilities still years from operational readiness, several of the month’s largest developments demonstrated that governments remain willing to invest heavily in aircraft with proven capabilities and established support networks.
-
Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?
The two sixth-generation fighter programmes could battle for engineering talent and production lines before deliveries begin, testing Boeing’s industrial expansion plans.
-
September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper
The loss of many MQ-9 Reapers during the 2026 Iran War has underscored the risks of sending relatively expensive UAVs into contested airspace. In September, new contenders to replace the Reaper emerged, championing cheaper, modular aircraft designs for mass production and inevitable attrition.