Despite economic difficulties, Turkey is forging ahead with its TF-X indigenous fighter program. It is actively seeking foreign partners to support the project.

Unfavorable economic context

Turkey, whose economy is suffering from high inflation and a foreign debt close to $476 billion in March, is seeing its ambitious TF-X program put to the test. According to Allianz Trade, the amount of external debt to be settled over the next 12 months is around $250 billion. Experts, such as Ankara-based Ozgur Eksi, believe that domestic financial difficulties will inevitably be reflected in the TF-X program.

Seeking partners to lighten the load

Despite the financial pitfalls, Turkey is actively seeking partners to share the cost of the program. Defense Minister Yasar Guler recently announced that an agreement is being signed with Pakistan to participate in the development of this fifth-generation aircraft. Azerbaijan has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkey to explore its involvement in the project. The arrival of foreign partners brings financial advantages, but also challenges, notably in terms of dispute management and technology transfer.

Program ambitions and prospects

Turkey is aiming for the TF-X to make its maiden flight this year, to mark the Republic’s centenary. According to Turkish Aerospace Industries, the TF-X will fly on December 27, 2023. The company plans to supply 20 TF-X Block 10 aircraft to the Air Force by 2028. By 2029, production is expected to reach two TF-X aircraft per month, generating annual revenues of around $2.4 billion.

Technical development and partnerships

The TF-X program was launched in 2009. In 2016, Rolls-Royce proposed a joint production partnership with Turkey to power various Turkish platforms. In 2017, BAE Systems, a British company, signed an agreement worth over £100 million (US$127 million) to develop the Turkish fighter. In 2022, Turkey launched a competition for the local development of a turbofan engine for the TF-X. TAEC, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Turkish industrial conglomerate Kale, proposed an engine capable of propelling the aircraft to a maximum altitude of 40,000 feet and reaching a speed of Mach 1.8.

The engine question

At present, the American F110 engine is used for TF-X prototypes. However, using this engine for series production could require significant investment. Eksi stresses the importance for the government not to delay the choice of engine any longer.

Export potential

Eksi adds that the TF-X’s export potential is essential to the success of the program. The Kaan could be an attractive option for countries seeking to avoid aircraft manufactured in the West, Russia or China for political reasons.

Faced with a faltering economy and a complex geopolitical landscape, Turkey is determined to press ahead with its TF-X program. The search for foreign partnerships and the taking of crucial technical decisions will be decisive for the future of this ambitious program. Only time will tell whether the TF-X, or Kaan, will carve out a place for itself among fifth-generation combat aircraft.

Fly a jet fighter is the fighter jet experience specialist.