F-35 Fear Hasn't Subsided! This Time KAAN Put Tel Aviv on Alert! A Headache for Israel
The Israeli press wrote that Turkey's national combat aircraft KAAN has become a strategic force that could change the air balance in the region.
The Israel-based financial newspaper Globes assessed the KAAN project as a "new headache" for Tel Aviv.
In the analysis published by Globes, it was stated that Israel is disturbed not only by the possibility of F-35 fighter jets being sold to Turkey, but also by the KAAN project developed by Ankara.
The newspaper wrote that KAAN is seen as "a new development that could harm Israel's air power" and that the project is being closely followed by Tel Aviv.
In Globes' report, it was noted that the KAAN program could gain momentum if Turkey procures engines from the United States.
- The report included statements by TUSAŞ General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu that the US administration had approved the export of General Electric-produced F110 engines to Turkey.
- According to the information provided by Demiroğlu, there are 10 engines in Turkey for use in KAAN prototypes.
For the serial production process, the purchase of approximately 80 engines is planned. It was reported that the first engine deliveries are expected to be made next year.
Work on a Domestic Engine Continues
The Israeli newspaper also touched upon Turkey's efforts to develop a fully domestic fighter jet engine for KAAN.
Globes reported that the use of American-made engines is planned in the short term for KAAN, while the domestic engine is aimed to be introduced in the coming years.
The newspaper stated that Turkey's efforts to increase its air power are being followed with concern in Israel and that KAAN could have an impact on military balances in the region in the coming period.
