Models of the domestically developed KAAN fighter jet and ANKA III unmanned combat aircraft, developed by TUSAŞ, were displayed for the first time at the TEKNOFEST Southeastern Anatolia event held at GAP Airport in Şanlıurfa.
The aviation, space and technology festival, organized by the Ministry of Industry and Technology, the T3 Foundation and Savunma Teknolojileri Mühendislik ve Ticaret AŞ, is continuing. KAAN and ANKA III, which had previously been presented for examination by industry experts at defense industry fairs, drew interest from TEKNOFEST participants.
Production and testing work on KAAN continues
Work continues on KAAN, which is planned to gradually replace the F-16s in the Turkish Air Force inventory starting in the 2030s.
KAAN is equipped with next-generation technologies including low observability, an internal weapons bay, high maneuverability, advanced situational awareness and sensor integration. The aircraft is intended to place Türkiye among the countries capable of producing fifth-generation fighter jets.
KAAN made its maiden flight on Feb. 21, 2024, and production and testing of its prototypes are continuing.
ANKA III’s flight capabilities
ANKA III is being displayed at the TEKNOFEST Southeastern Anatolia event with two SÜPER ŞİMŞEK tactical unmanned aerial systems under its wings.
ANKA III, which made its maiden flight on Dec. 28, 2023, has a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 7 tons. The unmanned aerial vehicle is planned to operate at an altitude of 40,000 feet, reach a speed of Mach 0.7 and remain airborne for up to 10 hours.
ANKA III is expected to be delivered to the Air Force Command in line with the established schedule.
