Turkey has unveiled its first fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, the KAAN Stealth Fighter Jet, attracting interest from Pakistan. Turkish hopes are high as it eyes potential sales to Bangladesh, the Royal Saudi Airforce, Qatar, Egypt, Somalia, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, and Nigeria.
Some of these nations are near India, potentially elevating aerial threats to the country. Turkey aims to sell these jets over the next decade, by 2034. However, the high maintenance cost of fifth-generation fighters raises doubts. Stealth fighters are exceptionally high-maintenance.
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Will nations like Somalia, Nigeria, or Bangladesh afford and sustain these jets? The US spends billions annually to upkeep its fifth-generation fighters.
Unveiling Turkey's KAAN Strength...
The KAAN is a multirole stealth air superiority fighter jet, operable by one or two pilots. With a length of 68.11 feet and standing at 19.8 feet tall, it's engineered with a wingspan of 45.11 feet. Its maximum takeoff weight reaches 27,125 kg, powered by two General Electric engines.
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Source: aajtak
Reaching speeds of up to 2222 km/hr and cruise altitudes of 55,000 feet, the KAAN can employ six air-to-air and eight air-to-ground missile variants, alongside 13 bomb types in various combinations.
The devastation potential of this jet against hostile targets is significant, equipped with an advanced Human-Machine Interface cockpit. Additional features include AESA radar, electronic warfare capabilities, advanced navigation functions, IEOS, IRST, and EOTS.
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Source: aajtak
Discover India's Stealth Fighter Developments...
The Indian Government has greenlit the indigenous stealth fighter jet under the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, earmarking 15,000 crores for the project. The prototype is slated for a 2026 debut, featuring two General Electric 414 (GE-414) engines.
With the AMCA's arrival, India will join ranks with advanced nations like China, Russia, and the US. Competing fiercely with American F-35s and Russian Su-57s, Turkey’s KAAN lacks the juice to withstand AMCA's superior speed, potentially overshadowing even the F-35.
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Source: aajtak
Blazing Speed Outmatches US Fighters, Turkey Stands No Chance
The AMCA will soar at a maximum speed of 2633 km/hr, well ahead of the F-35's 2000 km/hr. Its range of 3240 KM surpasses the F-35's 2800 KM, with undisclosed KAAN figures remaining.
In combat, it achieves a 1620 KM range against the F-35's 1239 KM. Measuring 57.9 feet in length, the Indian combat jet oversizes the 51.4 feet F-35. Its wingspan spread of 36.6 feet contrasts the F-35’s 35 feet.
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Source: aajtak
Height and Arsenal: Lethal to Enemies
India's fighter jet will reach elevations of up to 65,000 feet, featuring 14 hardpoints. Armed with a 23-millimeter GSh-23 cannon, it includes S8 rocket pods, Astra Mk-1, 2, 3 air-to-air missiles, BrahMos NG (BrahMos-NG), RUDRAM air-to-surface missiles, and more.
The F-35 possesses a 25-millimeter cannon, four hardpoints, and six external hardpoints, with potential for AIM 120, 9X, 132 air-to-air missiles, AGMs, and other missiles attacking ship and surface targets.
