Last August it emerged that Spain had put aside talks for a possible acquisition of the F-35 Lightning II of Lockheed Martin to replace at least part of its fighter fleet F-18. Since then Rumors have grown about possible interest in the Turkish fifth-generation Kaan fighter. These have been promoted mainly by the press of Türkiyewhich has been echoed by the Spanish media, and by the precedent of the recent acquisition by Spain of another Turkish fighter, the Hurjetas an advanced trainer.
There is no official statement to support the Turkish media hypothesis that Spain is considering its purchase, but the latest approved budgets, in 2022, include a fighter aircraft acquisition plan worth 6.25 billion euros.
Spain’s possible interest in the Kaan would be framed in a cooperation model similar to that of the Hurjet, the new advanced trainer that Turkish Aerospace (TAI) produces alongside Airbus Defense and Space Spain. In this program, Türkiye manufactures the airframe, while Spain is responsible for the integration of avionics, software and certification, thus guaranteeing industrial participation and technological sovereignty.
As published by El Economista last month, That formula could be repeated with Kaan if Madrid decided to advance. Türkiye would provide the base platform and Spain would adapt the mission and weapons systems to its needs, as an intermediate step before the future SCAF European Union in which Spain participates and which will arrive in the 2040s.
This is the first fifth generation fighter manufactured by Türkiye
The Kaan is the first fifth-generation fighter developed by Türkiye, and is manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI)also known by its Turkish acronym TUSAŞ. This fighter combines stealth design, advanced avionics and modular architecture to fulfill air superiority and attack missions with a high degree of autonomy from foreign suppliers.
Similar in appearance and size to a F-22the Kaan measures 20.3 meters in length, 13.4m wingspan and supports a maximum weight of 34.7 tons when taking off. It is powered by two motors General Electric F110the same ones used by F-16although Türkiye plans to replace them with an engine of national development at the beginning of the next decade.
Can fly to Mach 1.8equivalent to about 2,200 km/hreach the 16,800 meters altitude and maintain supersonic speeds without resorting to afterburning, which is known as supercruise capability. This feature reduces fuel consumption, engine wear and thermal signature, decisive aspects in long-range missions.
The exterior design of the Kaan responds to low radar observability criteria and has internal warehouses to carry weapons without compromising stealth. Inside, the cabin has a Large Area Displaya large widescreen touch screen that replaces traditional clocks and analog panels. This system concentrates all flight, sensors and mission information on a single surface, allowing the pilot to control the aircraft, navigation and weapons in a more intuitive way. Complement this system a visor on the helmet which displays data directly before the pilot’s eyes, eliminating the need to look down at the instruments.
One of the most outstanding technological elements of the Kaan is its radar AESA MURAD-600Adeveloped by the Turkish company ASELSAN within the so-called Murad family. It is a active electronic scanning radar (AESA) capable of directing multiple radar beams simultaneously without the need to physically move the antenna. This technology allows you to detect, track and attack multiple targets at the same time, and also offers electronic warfare functions, such as jamming or suppressing enemy radars.
Development of the Kaan
The Kaan program began to take shape in the early 2010s, when Ankara approved the development of a national fighter to gradually replace its fleet of F-16s. In 2017, BAE Systems from the United Kingdom joined the project to collaborate in the design and aerodynamics phase.
The first prototype made its maiden flight on February 21, 2024and the serial production of the first version, called Block 10is planned for 2028-2029. From there, a progressive evolution is expected in blocks, incorporating improvements in sensors, software and weapons.
Operational concept and weapons
The operating concept of the Kaan is based on interconnection and flexibility. It can operate in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, launch short- and long-range missiles from its internal holds, and coordinate with combat drones such as the Kızılelma or the Anka-3 in combined operations.
This ‘manned-unmanned teaming’ approach – cooperation between manned and unmanned aircraft – represents one of the great bets of the new generation of fighters. The open architecture of the Kaan, in addition, allows the integration of national or allied software and systems, which gives room to adapt the aircraft to different users and scenarios.
As for weapons, the Kaan will be able to carry Turkish-developed air-to-air and air-to-ground missilesalthough many of them are still in the integration phase. According to data from TÜBİTAK-SAGE (Turkish Defense Industries Research and Development Institute) and the manufacturer itself, it is planned to use the Bozdoğan and Gökdoğantwo missiles designed for close and long-range combat respectively, already successfully tested from Turkish F-16s.
A longer range projectile is also being developed, the Gökhanwith a ramjet engine for air superiority missions. For the attack on ground targets, the Kaan will integrate compact versions of the cruise missileSOM-Jdesigned to be transported within internal warehouses without compromising its stealthy profile. For now, these capabilities They are part of the program’s roadmap and will be progressively incorporated as the aircraft moves towards series production, planned for the end of the decade.