Türkiye Solidifies Air Power with KAAN, ANKA Serial Production Contracts

Our Bureau - : May 7, 2026 - : 6:40 pm

The Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) have formalised a landmark supply contract for the mass production of the KAAN fifth-generation fighter and the ANKA-3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).

Signed on the secondday of the ongoing SAHA 2026, the agreement marks the definitive transition of Türkiye’s premier aerospace programmes from experimental prototyping to industrial-scale manufacturing.

Industrial Scale and Delivery

The contract establishes a concrete procurement timeline for the Turkish Air Force, focusing on the initial delivery of 20 KAAN aircraft in the Block-10 configuration between 2028 and 2030. This phase is designed to provide the service with initial operational capability while the domestic TF35000 engine is integrated into subsequent Block-30 platforms. Concurrently, the agreement covers the serial production of over 50 ANKA-3 flying-wing stealth drones, which are slated to operate as "loyal wingmen" alongside crewed assets.

Strategic Autonomy

The signing is a strategic move to reduce Turkish reliance on external suppliers and progressively replace the ageing F-16 fleet from the 2030s. The industrial commitment provides the necessary predictability for the domestic supply chain, which now involves hundreds of local sub-contractors. SSB President Haluk Görgün stated during the ceremony, "Starting from 2028, we aim to deliver 20 Block-10 KAAN aircraft to the HKK by the end of 2030."

Asia-Pacific Implications

The acceleration of the KAAN and ANKA-3 programmes carries significant weight for the Asia-Pacific region, where several nations are seeking alternatives to Western or Russian stealth technology. This development follows a record-breaking export agreement with Indonesia for 48 KAAN units, signaling a shift in the regional arms market. Southeast Asian nations, increasingly cautious of geopolitical tensions between major powers, are viewing the Turkish "combat-proven" aerospace model as a viable path toward sovereign defence capabilities without the stringent political conditions often attached to US or European exports.

Manned-Unmanned Teaming

A highlight of the SAHA 2026 showcase is the demonstration of the KAAN operating in a coordinated formation with the ANKA-3. This Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concept allows the crewed fighter to function as a command node, distributing strike and electronic warfare tasks to stealthy unmanned platforms. TUSAŞ CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu noted that the contract is essential for "advancing KAAN towards serial production," ensuring that the integration of these high-tech systems remains on schedule for the turn of the decade.