TAI to raise aircraft output by 24 units yearly with new plant

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has designed a new production plant that will increase its annual manufacturing capacity by an additional 24 aircraft, the company’s deputy general manager announced on Thursday.

Kaan project advances rapidly

Speaking at Kocaeli University’s KOUBAK’26 congress, Uğur Zengin explained that while TAI has achieved low-volume mass production, its current assembly line—spanning 5-6 million square meters and capable of producing 6 to 9 KAAN fighter jets per year—is no longer sufficient for growing operations. The KAAN is a twin-engine, single-seat national combat aircraft. Zengin noted that TAI has gradually expanded to several Turkish cities and has collaborated with local universities since the KAAN project began in 2010.

Second prototype to fly within month

Development and testing phases for the KAAN are advancing rapidly following its maiden flight in early 2024. Zengin said two additional aircraft are currently on the assembly line, with a second prototype set to take off within months. A fourth aircraft is expected to be manufactured by the end of the year. TAI has signed a new military contract with Türkiye’s Defense Industries Secretariat (SSB) to design an infrastructure expansion that will scale up output. “To have a domestic fighter jet, one needs very robust infrastructure, as one must protect the technology,” Zengin said.

World-class testing facilities

TAI has established cutting-edge testing infrastructure entirely within Turkish borders. This includes Europe’s second-largest subsonic wind tunnel for aerodynamic testing and a full-scale anechoic test facility to analyze electromagnetic interference across sensor and radar systems. Zengin also highlighted their lightning testing facility—one of only five worldwide—which sends 3.5 million volts of electricity through the aircraft to simulate extreme weather strikes and test the jet’s structural and electronic resilience. Türkiye continues to advance its indigenous defense industry, reducing foreign dependency and positioning itself as a rising aerospace power.