By 2026, Turkey intends to take to the skies a fighter of its own design. Yesterday, on November 9, the CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), Temel Kotil, published a picture of the first part for the TF-X aircraft.
"We have manufactured the first part of our domestic combat aircraft. Every step we take for the security of our country is very important to us. I want to thank all my friends with whom we have come this way, working with enthusiasm and diligence," said Kotil.
The first detail of the TF-X fighter
Image source: twitter.com/Temel_Kotil
Last year, Cotil reported that "the TF-X will be the first large Muslim fighter." TAI has officially invited Malaysia to participate in the TF-X project, and has also signed a memorandum with this country on the production of composites for a promising Turkish fighter. TAI also considers Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan as potential partners or buyers of the future fighter.
Promo video of the TF-X fighter
TF-X currently exists only in the form of a layout, so its technical characteristics are unknown. The Turkish Defense Ministry expects to withdraw the TF-X from the hangar in 2023. From the previously shown visualizations, it can be concluded that the promising Turkish fighter will look similar to the American F-22 Raptor, will be equipped with two engines and will receive internal compartments for weapons.
A few years ago, the TF-X project was on the verge of closure, but after being excluded from the Joint Strike Fighter program, Turkey took up the development of a domestic fighter with renewed vigor.
