Spain Could Become First EU Buyer of Turkey’s KAAN Stealth Fighter

In a surprising turn in Europe’s defense landscape, Spain is reportedly shifting its sights toward Turkey’s fifth-generation KAAN stealth fighter, signaling a potential new alliance in military aviation.

After declining to join the U.S. F-35 program, Madrid now appears interested in Türkiye’s homegrown KAAN jet, a move that underscores Europe’s growing desire for defense independence and technological diversification.

Strengthening Defense Ties with Türkiye

According to reports from El Economista, Spain’s interest in the KAAN stems from deepening defense cooperation with Ankara.

Turkish defense firms made a strong appearance at the Madrid Defense Fair in May 2025, followed by Spain’s purchase of the Hürjet trainer aircraft in July — a deal that replaced aging U.S.-made F-5M jets. If finalized, the KAAN would mark the second major Turkish aircraft sale to Spain within a year.

Why Spain Is Considering KAAN

As Spain waits for the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) — a European next-generation fighter being jointly developed by France, Germany, and Spain and expected to enter service in the 2040s — Madrid is exploring interim solutions to maintain its air combat edge.

The KAAN, still under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), could fill that gap, offering stealth, speed, and multi-role flexibility comparable to early-generation F-35 models.

Inside the Turkish KAAN

The KAAN is Türkiye’s bold leap into the fifth-generation fighter arena, designed to rival the world’s most advanced jets.

Key Specifications:

• Length: 21 meters | Wingspan: 14 meters | Height: 6 meters
• Max Takeoff Weight: ~27,200 kg
• Engines: Twin GE F110s generating up to 131 kN thrust with afterburner
• Top Speed: ~2,716 km/h | Combat Range: 1,100 km
• Features: Internal weapon bays, stealth shaping, and aerial refueling capability

Prototype Progress & Testing

Three KAAN prototypes are currently in various stages of testing — one for ground evaluations and two for flight trials.

The first KAAN test flight, piloted by Commander Barbaros Demirbaş of the Turkish Air Force, lasted 11 minutes and reached 8,000 feet at 425 km/h, marking a historic milestone for Türkiye’s aerospace ambitions. Additional flight tests are planned for April and July 2026.

A New Player in Global Fighter Market

If Spain proceeds with the KAAN, it would represent a major endorsement of Turkish defense technology and signal Europe’s gradual shift away from U.S. reliance in military aviation. With growing international interest — from Indonesia to Spain — Türkiye’s KAAN is fast becoming a symbol of emerging defense power in the global aerospace industry.

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