Turkey is ‘one of four countries’ to develop a fifth-generation fighter jet
Hurriyer
A remarkable documentary published in Qatari media examined Türkiye’s recent rise in the defense industry. Highlighting KAAN, Steel Dome, and other domestically produced defense systems, the documentary emphasized that Türkiye is one of only four countries capable of developing a fifth-generation fighter jet. The level reached by the Turkish defense industry was also revealed through assessments from international experts.Qatar-based Al Jazeera has examined Türkiye’s recent achievements in the defense industry with a documentary titled “Turkish Weapons: The Limits of Production and Independence.” Featuring footage of Turkish defense companies’ production facilities, the documentary showcases domestically developed technologies, including KAAN, Steel Dome, unmanned aerial vehicles, air defense systems, and military vessels.
The documentary highlighted the capabilities Türkiye has achieved in the defense industry in terms of platforms, ammunition, radar, electronic systems, missiles, and engine technologies.
THE STEEL DOME UNIFIES Türkiye’S AIR DEFENSE FORCES.
The Steel Dome project, which is at the heart of Türkiye’s layered air defense architecture, was one of the highlights of the documentary. The project, which aims to enable different air defense systems to work in a coordinated manner under a single structure, seeks to strengthen Türkiye’s air defense capabilities.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, in a previous statement regarding the Steel Dome project, said, “God willing, we will realize the steel dome project, which we will transform into a fully integrated system with all its elements… If some have iron domes, we will have a steel dome.”
Roketsan General Manager Murat Ekinci stated that the Steel Dome was “developed entirely with Turkish resources and represents the essence of the steps taken towards national defense independence.”
EMPHASIS ON DOMESTIC TECHNOLOGY IN ALP-300G RADAR
Radar technologies also play an important role in Turkey’s air defense capabilities. The ALP-300G radar, developed by ASELSAN , is intended for use in long-range detection and tracking missions.
ASELSAN Radar Program Manager Bora Kartal stated that the radar, from its smallest electronic components to the complete system, was developed in Türkiye.
Kartal stated that the ALP-300G has a function similar to the search radar in the Russian S-400 system, adding, “When we compare its performance with the S-400 radars, it surpasses them in many aspects.”
An ASELSAN engineer also highlighted the radar’s level of domestic production, stating, “It was developed entirely in Turkey, using only local resources, without needing any parts from abroad. Starting with the smallest electronic components, the entire system was developed in Türkiye.”
KAAN FEATURES DOMESTIC AND NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY.
One of the documentary’s key segments was dedicated to Türkiye’s fifth-generation fighter jet, KAAN. The development process of KAAN was presented as a significant example of Türkiye establishing its own design and production capabilities in fighter jet technology.
KAAN Chief Engineer Yaban stated that among fifth-generation fighter jets are the US F-22, Russia’s Su-57, and China’s J-20, adding, “Our class includes aircraft such as the F-22, the Russian Su-57, and the Chinese J-20.”
Yaban also commented on KAAN’s targeted capabilities, stating, “Our air-to-air and maneuverability capabilities will be much higher.”
Highlighting KAAN’s local structure, Yaban made the following assessment:
“Our aircraft is a 100% national project. Its most important feature is that we are developing it from scratch. All its components are locally and nationally sourced; including the locally designed operating system. We can consider this aircraft a true example of the ‘Build Your Own Aircraft’ project that was launched in the 1970s.”
Yaban stated that Türkiye’s goal is not limited to producing fifth-generation fighter jets, saying, “Currently, only four countries have been able to develop fifth-generation fighter jets. Our main goal is not actually the 5th generation, but to create the infrastructure to pave the way for the 6th generation.”
Regarding KAAN’s future capabilities, he stated, “Our air-to-air and maneuverability will be much higher. It will be an aircraft with much higher stealth capabilities.”
The documentary also recalled that President Erdoğan announced that 48 KAAN drones would be exported as part of an agreement with Indonesia.
Türkiye AIMS FOR DOMESTIC PRODUCTION IN WARPLANE ENGINES AS WELL.
Türkiye’s localization drive in the defense industry is extending to fighter jet engine technologies. TEI General Manager Akşit stated that Türkiye is conducting comprehensive studies to achieve complete independence in fighter jet engines.
Akşit stated that developing a fifth-generation fighter jet engine is a long process requiring advanced technologies, saying, “This is a long and complex process. When we succeed in producing an engine for an aircraft like KAAN, it will be clear proof that we can produce all other engines as well.”
TURKISH DEFENSE INDUSTRY IS ALSO GETTING STRONGER AT SEA.
The Al Jazeera team also filmed the production processes of Turkish military ships. The documentary highlighted the use of technologies developed by Turkish defense companies such as ASELSAN and ROKETSAN in the sensing and weapon systems used on the ships.
It was stated that the US-made Harpoon anti-ship missiles previously used on Turkish warships have been replaced by ATMACA missiles developed by ROKETSAN, and that imported radar and fire control systems have also been replaced with domestically produced solutions.
The documentary stated that the goal of increasing the proportion of domestically produced components in the Turkish defense industry from 80% to 100% is no longer an “unachievable goal.”
FIELD EXPERIENCE STRENGTHENS LOCAL SYSTEMS.
ASELSAN CEO Ahmet Akyol highlighted the importance of field experience in the development of Turkish defense systems.
Akyol stated, “Our products are actively and extensively used by the armed forces. Every product we offer is tested in real environments and under real combat conditions, and is developed based on these experiences.”
Akyol stated that the ability of Turkish defense companies to directly respond to needs on the ground is a significant advantage, saying, “This is an advantage that only a very few countries can offer. Our products are technically superior and based on proven field experience. We can offer used and proven systems.”
PRAISE FOR Türkiye’S DEFENSE MODEL
The documentary examined the development of Türkiye’s defense industry, including assessments from foreign experts.
Romanian Defense Minister Miruța, regarding Türkiye’s approach to defense technologies, said, “The method Türkiye follows in developing its defense technologies and industry has attracted great interest. I believe that Türkiye’s experience can serve as an example for our region.”
One of the foreign experts featured in the documentary highlighted the progress Türkiye has made in the defense industry, stating, “Turkey started from a low level and has managed to remarkably catch up with many technologically advanced countries in the defense sector. It has significantly reduced the gap.”
REMARKABLE FIGURES IN UAV EXPORTS FROM Türkiye.
The documentary also highlighted Türkiye’s success in exporting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to Turkish officials, Türkiye has signed contracts to supply more than 800 UAVs to 50 countries since 2012.
Highlighting Türkiye’s position in the field of UAVs, it was stated, “Today, we are among the leading countries in the world in unmanned aerial vehicle exports.”
EMPHASIS ON “TRUE INDEPENDENCE”
Head of Defense Industry Haluk Görgün stated that Türkiye’s goal of independence in the defense sector is not limited solely to platform production.
Görgün stated, “The true strength of an army is not just about numerical data. Real power lies in having complete control over all processes, from platforms and ammunition to software and electronic systems.”
Görgün also expressed Türkiye’s goal in the defense industry with the following words:
“Unless we have complete control over all stages, from military platforms and ammunition to software and electronic systems, we cannot speak of true independence for Türkiye.”
Al Jazeera ‘s documentary highlighted the domestic technologies that Turkey has developed in its defense industry across a wide range of areas, from air, land, and sea platforms to radar, missiles, electronic systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and fighter jet engines.
