Kaan (MMU)

The design of the MMU started at TAI to compensate for the weaknesses in air-air combat of the F-35 project, in which Turkey is a partner. However, the sanctions process that started after Turkey purchased the S-400 air defense system from Russia resulted in Turkey's official exclusion from the F-35 program, as a manufacturer, and MMU became Turkey's only ongoing 5th generation fighter jet project. It was officially announced that the prototype (first sample) of the MMU (TF-X) will be launched on March 18, 2023 and will make its first flight at the end of 2023. Taxiing and ground operation testing of the prototype officially began at the launch on March 17, 2023.

He officially took the name Kaan on May 1, 2023.

After the first flight planned to be held on December 27, 2023 was postponed, it made its first flight by taking off from Ankara Mürted Airport on February 21, 2024.

During the first flight, a locally developed canopy and specially produced paint were used.

In the evaluations made until 2015, three designs stood out:

FX-1: Twin-engine, Lockheed Martin F-22-like design

FX-5: Single-engine, General Dynamics F-16-like design

FX-6: Saab JAS 39 Gripen-like design with single engine and wings.

At the Defense Industry Executive Committee meeting held in January 2015, it was stated that the twin-engine FX-1 model, which is longer than the others, can carry more weapon loads, and can reach higher speed and range, should be preferred despite its high cost..