Turkey Receives First F110 Engines for Kaan Fighter
Turkey has received an initial batch of ten F110-GE-129E engines for its Kaan fighter program, the Turkish Defense Agency confirmed. These engines, supplied by GE Aerospace, will power the twin-engine Kaan prototypes as Ankara continues negotiations for a follow-on order of 80 additional engines.
The first ten engines are expected to support prototype testing set to begin in 2026. A demonstrator aircraft previously flew in February 2024, but the lead Kaan prototype is scheduled for its maiden flight next year, marking a key milestone for Turkey’s indigenous fighter program.
The F110 engine, widely used in U.S. and allied aircraft, will provide the Kaan with a proven powerplant capable of supporting advanced flight testing and operational evaluation. Negotiations for the larger follow-on order remain sensitive, reflecting broader U.S. export control considerations for advanced military engines.
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the program’s lead developer, has emphasized the strategic importance of securing these engines to maintain program timelines and support Turkey’s ambitions for an indigenous stealth-capable fighter.
Experts note that engine deliveries are a critical step in moving the Kaan from concept and demonstrator stages to operational prototypes, which will undergo extensive trials in the coming year.
