Türkiye’s Aerospace Future with Haluk Görgün

KAAN, KIZILELMA, ANKA‑3 & Future Technologies: Haluk Görgün Insights

Strategic Developments in Türkiye’s Aerospace Defense

In this “SAHA Sohbetleri” episode, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, President of Türkiye’s Defense Industry, outlines strategic advancements in next-generation indigenous platforms: KAAN, KIZILELMA, and ANKA‑3. He highlights their technologies and roles within Türkiye’s growing defense ecosystem.

KAAN – Türkiye’s First Domestic 5th‑Gen Fighter

Görgün shares that the KAAN program, launched in 2016, achieved its maiden flight on February 21, 2024. He emphasizes KAAN’s stealth design, internal weapon bays, advanced avionics, and dual-engine setup—a computer in the sky, embodying fifth-generation capabilities. Planned mass production will begin in 2028, with serial orders starting late 2020s.

KIZILELMA & ANKA‑3 – Autonomous Jet UAVs

Görgün notes key milestones:

KIZILELMA, an AI-enabled unmanned combat aerial vehicle, first flew in December 2022, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
ANKA‑3, a next-generation flying-wing turbofan UAV, completed its maiden flight on December 28, 2023. Designed for deep‑strike, ISR, and integrated electronic warfare.

Core Technological Advancements

Indigenous Engine Development

Görgün spotlights Türkiye’s first domestically produced turbofan engine, TF6000, successfully tested in March 2024. He confirmed that TF6000 will eventually power KIZILELMA and ANKA‑3, marking a leap in engine autonomy.

AESA Radar Integration & Sensor Suite

He also mentions integration plans for Aselsan’s AESA radars across all platforms—KAAN, HÜRJET, KIZILELMA, and ANKA‑3—enhancing stealth and situational awareness. Furthermore, advanced sensor packages like ASELFLIR‑500/600 and TOYGUN EOTS systems boost targeting precision.

Strengthening Strategic Sovereignty & Exports

Görgün underscores how these innovations reduce reliance on foreign defense systems and strengthen Türkiye’s positioning in the global arms market. With over 230 products exported to about 170 countries, these platforms reinforce Türkiye’s role as an autonomous defense producer.

Türkiye’s Aerospace Future with Haluk Görgün