The race to create the first engine for Turkey’s ambitious KAAN fighter jet is heating up, with several key players involved in the development of a national turbofan engine. One of the leading contributors to this project is Ivchenko Progress, a Ukrainian company that has partnered with Turkey’s TRMotor for this endeavor.

As part of the National Combat Aircraft (MMU) Project, the Turkish government has launched a new phase: the Preliminary Design Phase Project for the development of a domestic engine. Spearheaded by the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), this project aims to equip the KAAN fighter with a national turbofan engine, reducing reliance on foreign suppliers and enhancing Turkey’s defence capabilities.

Key Players in the Development of the KAAN Engine

The Preliminary Design Phase Project was initiated as part of the MMU Original Engine Development Programme, a strategic step in Turkey’s long-term plans for its indigenous fighter aircraft. TRMotor, the primary contractor for this phase, has teamed up with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Ivchenko Progress for the engine development.

Ukrainian-engineered engines have already been integrated into multiple successful Turkish defence projects, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) like the AKINCI TİHA, KIZILELMA, and ANKA-3, as well as the T929 Heavy Class Attack Helicopter. In addition, the KEMANKES and SuperK ammunition systems also benefit from Ukrainian technology, showcasing the strong relationship between Ukraine and Turkey in defence manufacturing.

The Role of Kale Group and Rolls-Royce

Meanwhile, another significant competitor in the engine development race is the Kale Group, in partnership with Rolls-Royce. Together, they are working on the development of the KAAN fighter jet engine, under the joint venture TAEC Aircraft Engine Industry Inc. Founded in 2017, TAEC is a Turkish aerospace company with a strong backing from Kale Group, which holds a 51% stake.

Kale’s expertise in turbojet missile engines has been instrumental in supporting Turkey’s growing defence industry. The KTJ-3200 and KTJ-1750 turbojet engines developed by Kale Arge, a subsidiary of the Kale Group, power key missile systems such as the SOM and ATMACA. Additionally, Kale Arge is behind the engines for LAND SHOOTER and GEZGİ missiles, marking significant advancements in Turkey’s missile technology.

The Road Ahead for the KAAN Fighter Jet

The journey to a fully indigenous engine for the KAAN fighter jet is expected to take between 8 and 10 years, according to Prof. Dr. İsmail Demir, President of the Defence Industry. In the meantime, the initial KAAN aircraft will be powered by US-made F110 turbofan engines. These engines will power the first 20 aircraft, which are expected to make their debut flight between 2023 and 2024.

The Turkish Air Force is slated to receive its first KAAN aircraft from TAI by 2028, marking a significant milestone in Turkey’s quest for aerospace self-sufficiency.