Ankara, February 22, 2024 - The Chief Engineer of KAAN, Emre Wild, proudly announced the successful maiden flight of Turkey's first indigenous manned fighter aircraft, KAAN. Following the historic flight, Chief Engineer Emre Yasa highlighted the significance of the achievement, emphasizing the national pride associated with the project.

In a meeting with President of the Defense Industry Presidency, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, and accompanying delegates, Chief Engineer Emre Yasa expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "KAAN is a symbol of pride for us engineers in this land. It represents our success in overcoming what we considered backward in the 100-year history of aviation."

Yasa emphasized that KAAN is not merely a product of the Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) but a result of the hard work of Turkish engineers, using equipment and software developed locally. He expressed the hope that the aircraft would soon be globally recognized for its superior features.

KAAN's production began in March 2022, with assembly completed between May and November 2022, and the final assembly line operational by November 2022.

Intensive system testing took place in December 2022 and January 2023, surpassing the schedule with the first engine ignition on February 12, 2023.

The first slow taxi test was successfully completed on March 17, 2023, paving the way for the first flight.

KAAN's maiden flight lasted 13 minutes, reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 230 knots.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan celebrated the achievement, emphasizing the significance of this milestone for Turkey's defense industry.

President Erdoğan, addressing those who doubted the project, stated, "Today, we are experiencing the promised day for the Turkish defense industry. Our national fighter aircraft KAAN has successfully completed its maiden flight despite attempts to sabotage the project."


The article concludes with information on KAAN's capabilities, including its ability to engage in air-to-air combat, precision strikes, and collaboration with unmanned aerial vehicles, air traffic control, and other planned elements.