KAAN’s Second Prototype Breaks Cover Amid Planned Engine Partnership with Spain

By Bosphorus News Staff

The flight line at the TUSAŞ facilities in Ankara just got a bit more crowded. New visuals show three separate KAAN airframes P0, P1, and P2 together for the first time, signaling that the flight test program is moving into a multi-aircraft phase.

The standout is the second flying prototype (P2). While the initial aircraft proved the design’s airworthiness, this second iteration carries the structural refinements necessary for more complex systems testing. Having three airframes in various stages of assembly suggests that TUSAŞ is working to shorten the development cycle.

On the hardware side, the focus is shifting to what will eventually power these jets. Current reports indicate that Türkiye is exploring a strategic cooperation with the Spanish engine manufacturer ITP Aero. This planned partnership centers on the development of the TF35000 engine.

By bringing a European partner into the fold, the project aims to stabilize the domestic engine's development. This move is a calculated step to ensure the aircraft meets the international certification and performance standards required for the export market.