The TAI TF-X fifth generation fighter was shown to the public last weekend. It meets Turkiye's target to show the first prototype in 2023 before it undergoes several commissioning tests before the first flight takes place in 2026.
The TF-X was developed independently by Turkiye after they were prevented from buying the F-35 aircraft by the United States following the purchase of the S400 missile system from Russia. This aircraft is equipped with two General Electric F100 engines that are quite old.
In the future, Turkiye's own designed engine will be used to allow the entire aircraft to use locally made components. When operational, the TF-X will replace the F-4 Phantom and F-16 aircraft currently used by Turkiye.
In terms of design, the TF-X is more similar to the design of the United States' F-22 and South Korea's KAI KF-21. The ability of the aircraft is also expected to be the same as the ability of a supercruise as well as weapons stored in the body to reduce radar cross-section. Two years ago Turkiye had invited Malaysia to be involved in the development of TF-X.