By Abdulkadir Gunyol
ISTANBUL (AA) - Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), which was targeted Wednesday by a terror attack at its facility in Kahramankazan district in Ankara, is undertaking many significant projects.
They include the National Combat Aircraft KAAN to position the country among the few nations that are capable of producing fifth-generation fighter jets.
TAI was established in 1973 and conducts design, production and modernization of the aircraft needed by Türkiye, along with export activities.
The company has significantly contributed to strengthening the Turkish defense industry through important projects it has realized to date.
The air platforms produced under the company’s coordination, such as the T129 ATAK Attack and Tactical Reconnaissance Helicopter, T70 General Purpose Helicopter and ANKA and AKSUNGUR unmanned aerial vehicles, serve security forces.
Products like the HURKUS Basic Trainer Aircraft, HURJET Trainer and Light Attack Aircraft and GOKBEY General Purpose Helicopter are eagerly awaiting to enter the inventory, while tests for the unmanned combat aircraft, ANKA III, are intensively ongoing.
- Architect of KAAN
One of the most important projects is the National Combat Aircraft KAAN, which is currently under construction and represents a significant milestone in Türkiye’s aviation history.
With the KAAN project, the country is taking a major step toward becoming one of the few countries capable of designing and producing fighter jets.
KAAN will place Türkiye among the few in the world that can produce fifth-generation aircraft.
The project aims to strengthen Türkiye's independence in the defense industry and reduce dependency on foreign countries.
KAAN is expected to enter the inventory of the Turkish Air Force by 2028.
TAI has also achieved notable successes worldwide.
Most recently, it modernized the Su-25 aircraft in Azerbaijan's inventory and delivered them to that country.
*Writing by Merve Berker