hyperman
INT'L MOD
Yes, as of 2024 they still have not modified the target date for the delivery of the first few planes using the GE F110 for 2028.
Both thinks age true, Turkey is going to be able to as of right now potentially induct the KAAN in 2028, while also purchasing aircraft from abroad. At face value it seems strange but its a matter of numbers of planes, volume production and cost, as well as role of the planes.
The basic features and roles of the KAAN are as an air superiority fighter, and an expensive and low volume one, atleast initially.
This doesn't satisfy the role of replacement of the bulk of the fleet, especially in the interim, which will require more planes and for different roles.
Let me give you a real example.
The United States can obviously produce F-35s yet as of January 2024, there is an order placed for 104 F-15EX Eagle 2s
China is producing J-20s at an astronomical rate, yet the orders the J-16s are still coming in.
Russia has the Su-57 in production but is still ordering Flankers and even Mig-35s.(granted this one is a little more compicated, b/c of the war forcing russia to order cheaper fighters at volume and b/c its losing airframes)
Airforces usually have a "high low" package. And while the KAAN is great, there is still a need for the smaller "low" package. The initial plan was for this to be filled with 100 F-35s. But as you know things are a bit complicated on that front, so the pivot was to keep the F-4s longer while the older F-16s get the domestic F-16 Ozgur 2 upgrade, and some of the newer airframes get the viper upgrade, and additional 40 vipers are bought new(likely produced in Turkey, they are still negotiating specifics). On top of apparently 40 Eurofighters. So 80 new airframes in total for now(assuming those 40 initial F-35s ordered aren't delivered., the numbers may change from 80 to more or other solutions may be pursued).
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