ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has embarked on a significant milestone in its air defense capabilities by entering the field of 5th-generation stealth fighter jet production in collaboration with the Turkish Aerospace Industries.
The partnership between Pakistan and Turkey aims to jointly develop an advanced twin-engine 5th-generation air superiority fighter jet as part of the Turkish 5th Generation Stealth Space Industry Programme.
The Turkish Aerospace Industry initiated the production program for the 5th-generation aircraft, known as TAI KAAN, in 2010. The Turkish “TFX” aircraft recently completed its taxi tests, and the first official flight is anticipated by the end of this year.
The induction of the first 5th-generation aircraft into the Pakistan Air Force is scheduled for 2030. The TFX Stealth Aircraft, developed by the Turkish Aerospace Industry, will incorporate US-made General Electric F-110 engines. However, in case of objections from the United States, Pakistan has the option of British-made Rolls-Royce engines. The Turkish company is also collaborating with Rolls-Royce from the UK to develop a new engine.
The joint Pakistan-Turkey 5th-generation aircraft will have a length of 21 meters and a wingspan of up to 14 meters. With a take-off weight of 27,215 kilograms, the aircraft will have a maximum speed of 1.8 Mach and a combat range of 1,100 kilometers. It will be equipped with air-to-ground cruise missiles and air-to-air beyond visual range (BVR) missiles. The advanced cockpit, featuring a modern Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, will enable the aircraft to engage in air combat based on contemporary tactical requirements.
The Pakistan Air Force will reintroduce twin-engine fighter jets with the TFX aircraft after a significant duration. In addition to the 5th-generation stealth fighter jets, Pakistan and Turkey will also commence joint production of unmanned aerial platforms.
Defence Cooperation Between Pakistan and Turkey
During a recent visit to Pakistan by Turkish Air Force Chief General Attila Gulan, substantial progress was made in terms of joint production for 5th-generation aircraft and unmanned aerial platforms. In recent years, Pakistan and Turkey have aligned their efforts in defense projects, including drone development and helicopter procurement.
Notably, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) signed a contract with Pakistan’s National Engineering and Science Commission (NESCOM) last year to develop military drones. The Pakistan Air Force, seeking to modernize its equipment, has previously requested the United States to upgrade its F-16 fleet, but such requests were declined. In contrast, the Turkish government successfully carried out the domestic upgrade of its F-16 fighter planes.
Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries, affirmed Pakistan’s potential as a country capable of locally assembling the TAI KAAN from a kit form, serving as a replacement for American F-16 fighter jets.
The establishment of the first flight office of TAI in Pakistan at the National Science and Technology Park in 2019 demonstrates the growing defense collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey.
