TAI targets 1,500 platforms by 2035 as KAAN nears new flight

TAI unveiled ambitious production targets for 2035, detailing plans for more than 1,500 aircraft, helicopters and large drones, plus over 10,000 tactical drones. The figures were presented by General Manager Mehmet Demiroglu at a defense and aerospace subcontractor workshop and are described as production objectives rather than confirmed orders.

The plan includes at least 150 KAAN fifth-generation fighters, 200 Hurjet jet trainers, and 150 Hurkus turboprops. Drone and helicopter goals cover more than 250 Anka-3 unmanned combat aircraft, 150 Aksungur and 150 Anka drones, as well as over 200 Gokbey utility helicopters, 150 T925 heavy utility helicopters, and 100 T129 ATAK attack helicopters.

China-style mass production is intended to rely heavily on subcontractors, with TAI keeping final assembly in-house. The company has already outsourced a large share of detailed parts manufacturing and aims to increase subcontracting to 70–80% for detailed parts and 70% for component-level work.

KAAN is highlighted as a key project, with a possible flight within October 2026 and delivery targeted for 2028, according to Demiroglu. He stressed that KAAN is highly indigenous, involving both TAI and Türkiye's TUBITAK in developing flight-control software and aircraft computers.

Spain has expressed interest in Hurjet, with a purchase agreement reportedly for 30 aircraft and plans for 15 more, and a planned delivery schedule that envisions production to begin in time for deliveries by 2028. Demiroglu also mentioned ongoing deliveries of Hurkus aircraft to Azerbaijan and potential further sales beyond the current portfolio.