5TH GENERATION FIGHTER PROGRAMME

TAI KAAN

Milli Muharip Ucak (MMU) • Turkey

2023
Prototype
Rollout
Feb 2024
First
Flight
2029
IOC
Target
5th Generation
Stealth Fighter
TAI KAAN Programme

Programme Overview

KAAN (formerly TF-X/MMU - Milli Muharip Ucak) is Turkey's indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter aircraft, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI/TUSAS). The programme represents Turkey's strategic objective for self-sufficiency in advanced combat aircraft.

KAAN embodies Turkey's "Yerli ve Milli" (Domestic and National) defence industry philosophy, aiming to reduce dependency on foreign suppliers and establish Turkey as a leading aerospace nation.

Programme Developer

  • Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI/TUSAS) - Prime Contractor
  • Turkish Air Force (TurAF) - Primary Customer
  • SSB (Presidency of Defence Industries) - Programme Authority

Belvyon Engagement

Formal Letter of Intent for VELON-G™ canopy integration evaluation

Letter of Intent

LOI Reference: E-V6600-045.99-76969

Belvyon has secured a formal Letter of Intent from Turkish Aerospace Industries for the evaluation of VELON-G™ metamaterial canopy technology for integration into the KAAN programme. This LOI establishes the framework for technical collaboration and potential supply agreement.

Engagement Scope
  • VELON-G™ canopy integration evaluation
  • Technical performance validation
  • Manufacturing compatibility assessment
  • Programme integration pathway

Belvyon Contribution

VELON-G™ metamaterial canopy technology for KAAN

VELON-G™

Graphene-ITO Metamaterial Canopy

Belvyon's VELON-G™ metamaterial canopy technology addresses KAAN's requirement for advanced electromagnetic signature management while maintaining the optical transparency essential for pilot situational awareness in a 5th generation stealth fighter.

VELON-G™ aligns with Turkey's "Yerli ve Milli" philosophy by providing an ITAR-free alternative to US-controlled canopy technologies, enabling programme independence.

View VELON-G™ Details

Key Specifications

  • -13.3 dB
    W-Band Attenuation (94.48 GHz)
  • 92.5%
    Optical Transparency
  • ISS
    JAXA-Kibo Validated (ID 8071)
  • ITAR-Free
    UK Origin

Belvyon Value Proposition

Why VELON-G™ aligns with Turkey's strategic defence objectives

Yerli ve Milli Alignment

ITAR-free UK origin supports Turkey's "Domestic and National" defence industry philosophy by eliminating dependency on US-controlled technologies.

Electromagnetic Signature Management

-13.3 dB W-band attenuation reduces cockpit contribution to overall aircraft radar cross-section, critical for 5th generation stealth requirements.

ITAR-Free Alternative

UK-developed technology provides a strategic alternative to US-controlled canopy technologies, ensuring programme continuity without export restriction risks.

Turkish Industry Relationships

Existing validation relationship with Roketsan demonstrates proven ability to work within Turkish defence industry ecosystem and regulatory framework.

Proven Technology Maturity

ISS/JAXA-Kibo validated technology (Experiment ID 8071) demonstrates performance in extreme operational environments.

Maintained Optical Performance

92.5% optical transparency preserves pilot situational awareness and HUD/HMD compatibility essential for combat effectiveness.

Programme Milestones

KAAN development timeline and key achievements

2023

Prototype Rollout

First KAAN prototype publicly unveiled, marking a major milestone in Turkey's indigenous fighter programme.

Feb 2024

First Flight

KAAN successfully completed its maiden flight, demonstrating airworthiness and basic flight characteristics.

2029

IOC Target

Initial Operational Capability target for Turkish Air Force, with full-rate production to follow.

Related Programmes

Belvyon technologies supporting other next-generation fighter programmes

GCAP/Tempest

Global Combat Air Programme (UK/Italy/Japan) 6th generation fighter programme.

6th Generation Programme

KF-21 Boramae

Korea Aerospace Industries 4.5th generation multirole fighter programme.

Programme Pathway Established

Interested in KAAN Technology Solutions?

Contact our technical team to discuss how Belvyon's VELON-G™ metamaterial canopy can support your KAAN programme requirements.

Contact Us View VELON-G™

Export Control Notice: Export of our products and technologies may require authorisation under UK Export Control legislation. Belvyon Limited is committed to full compliance with all applicable export control regulations.