Pakistan is likely to receive its first 5th-generation KAAN fighter jets from Turkey by the end of 2028. This timeline is two years earlier than originally expected.
The head of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) recently announced that the first deliveries of the KAAN stealth fighter will take place between late 2028 and early 2029. This is good news for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), which is working closely with Turkey on the project.
Around 200 Pakistani engineers have already taken part in the development of the KAAN. Plans are also being discussed to set up a joint production facility inside Pakistan in the future. This partnership will help Pakistan build its own defence industry and reduce dependence on Western countries.
The KAAN, also known as TF-X, is a twin-engine stealth fighter jet. It is designed for air superiority and ground attack missions. It can fly at a top speed of around 2,200 km/h. The aircraft features advanced stealth technology to avoid enemy radars. While it was first planned with US engines, Turkey is now developing its own local engines for the jet.
If the deal goes through smoothly, Pakistan will become one of the few countries in the world to operate 5th-generation fighter jets, joining an elite group that includes the United States, China, Russia, and Turkey.
This step will greatly strengthen Pakistan’s air defence capabilities in the coming years.
