The long road ahead for Kaan, Turkey’s nascent fifth-generation fighter jet

News Snapshot:

April 7, 2024 ANKARA — Turkey’s national fighter plane (MMU), nicknamed Kaan, offers many opportunities and advantages to Turkey’s air force and its booming military-industrial complex, but analysts believe partnering with other countries is required for accelerated progress. Kaan became something of a celebrity following its maiden flight in February, raising the prospect of the country to be placed among an elite club of nations that have fielded fifth-generation fighters — namely, the United States, Russia and China. Fifth-generation aircraft, also known as “stealth,” are hard to detect by enemy radar and sensor, and they communicate and share data with...