This article summarizes reporting by Anadolu Agency.

On May 6, 2026, Türkiye achieved a major milestone in its defense sector by signing the first procurement contracts for the mass production of the KAAN, its domestically developed fifth-generation stealth fighter. The agreement was formalized at the SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul, according to reporting by Anadolu Agency.

The contract officially transitions the KAAN from its prototype and development phase into serial production. The Turkish Air Force is scheduled to receive an initial batch of 20 Block-10 aircraft between 2028 and 2030. This procurement represents a critical step in Ankara’s long-term strategy to replace its aging F-16 fleet and establish aerospace sovereignty.

Alongside the KAAN agreement, officials also signed a serial production contract for the ANKA-3 unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). Industry research indicates the ANKA-3 is designed to operate as a “loyal wingman” alongside the KAAN, utilizing a modern Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concept.

Contract Details and Delivery Timelines

Formalizing the Agreement

The historic signing ceremony featured key figures in the Turkish defense industry, including Haluk Görgün, President of the Defense Industries Secretariat (SSB); Ömer Cihad Vardan, Chairman of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI); and Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of TAI.

The initial order focuses on the Block-10 variant of the KAAN. Delivery of these 20 jets to the Turkish Air Force Command is slated to begin in 2028 and conclude by the end of 2030, as outlined in the provided research data.

“Starting from 2028, we aim to deliver 20 Block-10 KAAN aircraft to the HKK by the end of 2030,” stated Haluk Görgün, Head of the Defense Industries Secretariat.

Company leadership emphasized that this initial procurement is just the beginning of a much larger production run.

“The initial sale was made for the first batch of 20 Block 10 aircraft… Over time, we expect the numbers to increase,” noted TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu.

Technical Specifications and Engine Development

Fifth-Generation Capabilities

Initiated in 2010 and officially contracted for development in 2016, the KAAN completed its maiden flight on February 21, 2024. The twin-engine, single-seat aircraft is designed to compete with other fifth-generation fighters by prioritizing stealth, survivability, and sensor fusion.

According to technical specifications provided in the research data, the KAAN features a wingspan of 13.4 to 14 meters and a length of 20.3 meters. It boasts a projected maximum speed of Mach 1.8 to Mach 2.0 and a service ceiling exceeding 55,000 feet. The aircraft is equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar developed by Aselsan, alongside advanced electronic warfare suites and AI-assisted mission systems.

The Path to Propulsion Independence

A critical element of the KAAN program is its propulsion system. Early prototypes and the initial Block-10 production models will utilize American-made General Electric F110 engines. However, to ensure full export independence, Türkiye is developing an indigenous turbofan engine known as the TF35000.

Unveiled in May 2025, the TF35000 is being developed by TAI Engine Industries (TEI) and TRMotor. The engine is designed to produce 35,000 pounds of thrust, which will enable supercruise capabilities. Prototype production is expected to begin in 2027, with integration into the Block-30 KAAN platforms targeted for 2032.

Global Implications and Export Markets

Disrupting the Defense Market

The KAAN program is positioning Türkiye as a viable alternative for nations seeking fifth-generation fighter capabilities without the political restrictions often associated with Western defense contractors.

In July 2025, Indonesia became the first export customer for the KAAN, signing a $10 billion contract for 48 aircraft. This 10-year delivery agreement includes extensive technology transfer and the establishment of local aerospace infrastructure in Indonesia, according to industry reports.

Furthermore, as of May 2026, Spain is reportedly in preliminary government-to-government talks with Türkiye regarding a potential acquisition of the KAAN. Following Madrid’s rejection of the F-35 and delays in the European Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program, Spain is reportedly drawn to Türkiye’s offer of deep technology transfer, a model previously established when Spain purchased Turkish Hürjet trainer aircraft.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the transition of the KAAN from development to serial production as a watershed moment for Türkiye’s defense autonomy. The phased shift from US-made General Electric engines to the domestic TF35000 will be the ultimate test of the program’s long-term viability and export potential.

Additionally, the simultaneous procurement of the ANKA-3 drone highlights a forward-looking operational doctrine. By adopting next-generation manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) tactics early in the production cycle, the Turkish Air Force is aligning its capabilities with the most advanced aerospace strategies globally. The export interest from nations like Indonesia and Spain underscores a growing demand for flexible, technology-sharing defense partnerships that traditional suppliers often withhold.

Frequently Asked Questions

• When will the Turkish Air Force receive the first KAAN fighters?
  The first batch of 20 Block-10 KAAN aircraft is scheduled for delivery between 2028 and 2030.
• What engine does the KAAN use?
  Initial Block-10 models will use American-made General Electric F110 engines. Future Block-30 models, expected by 2032, will use the domestically developed TF35000 engine.
• Has any other country purchased the KAAN?
  Yes, Indonesia signed a $10 billion contract for 48 aircraft in July 2025. Spain is also in preliminary talks as of May 2026.

Sources

• Anadolu Agency

This article is based on an official press release from Jet Aviation.

On May 8, 2026, Jet Aviation announced the delivery of the first of three Pilatus PC-24 aircraft to the French Navy (Marine Nationale). This milestone marks the beginning of a critical fleet modernization program designed to replace the Navy’s aging Dassault Falcon 10MER aircraft, which have been in service for nearly five decades.

The delivery is part of a comprehensive 10-year contract awarded to Jet Aviation France by the French Direction de la Maintenance Aéronautique (DMAé) in late 2025. Under this agreement, Jet Aviation provides a turnkey “dry lease” solution, handling aircraft acquisition, leasing, and full on-site sustainment, while the French Navy operates the flights.

The new fleet will be operated by the Escadrille 57S squadron, stationed at the Landivisiau Naval Air Base (BAN Landivisiau) in Brittany, France. According to the official press release, this arrangement ensures seamless operational readiness for the Navy’s specialized training and transport missions.

Fleet Modernization and the DMAé Contract

Transitioning from the Falcon 10MER

The French Navy has relied on the Dassault Falcon 10MER (DA10) since 1975 for a variety of missions, including pilot training, VIP transport, and liaison duties. Due to the advancing age of these airframes, the fleet is scheduled for a phased withdrawal from service between 2026 and 2027, according to industry reports.

To bridge this capability gap, the DMAé initiated a competitive bidding process, ultimately selecting Jet Aviation. The resulting 10-year dry lease contract represents a modern approach to military procurement, shifting the burden of ownership and maintenance to the private sector while allowing the military to focus purely on operations.

Jet Aviation’s On-Site Support

Beyond simply leasing the aircraft, Jet Aviation is deploying a dedicated on-site team at the Landivisiau base. This team is responsible for line and base maintenance, tooling, infrastructure, and Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) services.

Jeremie Caillet, President of Jet Aviation, highlighted the collaborative effort in the company’s press release:

“This is the culmination of many months of collaboration and partnership between our team, the DMAé and Pilatus, and it has been a privilege to work together to bring these aircraft into service… By bringing together aircraft ownership, leasing and sustainment within a single solution, we deliver seamless support tailored to the specific operational requirements of the French Navy fleet.”

The Pilatus PC-24 “Super Versatile Jet”

Aircraft Specifications and Capabilities

The first delivered aircraft, registered as F-HJAH (Manufacturer Serial Number 619), is a Pilatus PC-24. A second aircraft, registered as F-HJAI (MSN 620), has recently completed its test flights and is currently undergoing interior outfitting. The remaining two jets are expected to be delivered at approximately six-month intervals.

The twin-engine jet boasts a cruise speed exceeding 800 km/h and a range of up to 3,700 km. It can accommodate up to nine passengers plus a pilot and features a standard large cargo door, making it highly adaptable for urgent freight or medical evacuation missions.

Furthermore, the aircraft is certified for single-pilot operations and is uniquely designed to operate from short, unpaved, and unprepared runways, utilizing the modern Pilatus ACE digital cockpit.

Mission Profile: The “Flying Classroom”

The French Navy intends to utilize the PC-24s primarily as “flying classrooms.” Their mission profile includes Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) training for Rafale M fighter pilots, periodic proficiency checks, urgent cargo transport, and general liaison duties.

Fabien Fuster, VP Government Services EMEA at Jet Aviation, emphasized the company’s readiness to support these specialized missions:

“We bring some 60 years of maintenance expertise including some four decades providing dedicated support to governmental fleets. Our team has been working with the squadron on-site to establish the personnel, tooling, infrastructure and processes required to provide seamless maintenance and airworthiness support…”

Broader Industry Implications

AirPro News analysis

We observe that the French Navy’s acquisition of the Pilatus PC-24 underscores a growing global trend of military forces adopting this specific airframe for multi-role utility and training. The PC-24 is already in use or on order by several international operators, including the Swiss Federal Council, the Qatar Emiri Air Force, the Spanish Air and Space Force, and the Indonesian Air Force.

Additionally, the structure of the DMAé contract highlights a broader shift toward turnkey leasing in military procurement. Rather than purchasing non-combat support aircraft outright, armed forces are increasingly turning to private aviation companies for “power-by-the-hour” or dry-lease agreements. This strategy effectively reduces upfront capital expenditure while ensuring high fleet availability through private-sector maintenance expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the remaining PC-24 aircraft be delivered to the French Navy?

Following the May 2026 delivery of the first aircraft, the remaining two PC-24s are expected to be delivered in phases at roughly six-month intervals.

What will happen to the French Navy’s Falcon 10MER fleet?

The aging Dassault Falcon 10MER fleet, which has been in service since 1975, is scheduled to be gradually withdrawn from service between 2026 and 2027.

Who is responsible for maintaining the new PC-24 fleet?

Under the 10-year dry lease contract, Jet Aviation owns the aircraft and provides full on-site sustainment, including line and base maintenance, at the Landivisiau Naval Air Base.

Sources:

• Jet Aviation Official Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from AllClear Aerospace & Defense via Business Wire.

AllClear Aerospace & Defense announced on May 6, 2026, a significant expansion of its investment in Honeywell Aerospace’s wheels and brakes product line. The strategic move is designed to bolster global military aircraft readiness and secure the supply chain for critical fighter aircraft components amid ongoing global constraints.

According to the official press release, the investment specifically targets increased inventory and support capabilities for the F-15 and F-18 fighter platforms. By proactively stockpiling these high-wear components, AllClear intends to mitigate persistent global supply-chain bottlenecks and ensure a reliable, mission-ready supply for defense operators.

This development builds upon a multi-year exclusive global distribution agreement signed between the two aerospace companies in January 2023. Under that agreement, AllClear secured the exclusive global distribution rights for Honeywell’s F-15 and F-18 wheels and brakes, reinforcing their commitment to supporting the U.S. military and allied nations.

Strategic Investment in Legacy and Frontline Platforms

Securing the F-15 and F-18 Supply Chain

The aerospace and defense sector has faced prolonged supply chain challenges, prompting companies to shift their operational strategies. AllClear’s latest initiative focuses on “investing ahead of demand,” a proactive approach detailed in their company statement to ensure uninterrupted delivery and direct support to defense operators worldwide.

The expanded inventory heavily features Honeywell Aerospace’s Carbenix military braking systems. Industry data indicates that these systems are engineered to operate in extreme environments and are crucial for supporting the increasing weight and performance demands of modern military aircraft. Furthermore, the Carbenix technology is specifically designed to enable rapid turnaround times during combat operations, a critical factor for maintaining high sortie generation rates in active theaters.

Corporate Background and Global Reach

Expanding Global Sustainment Capabilities

Formed in 2020 through the mergers of Aero Precision and Kellstrom Defense, AllClear has established itself as a leading provider of mission-ready sustainment solutions for military aviation. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, the company currently leverages its in-country presence to support operators in more than 60 countries, providing aftermarket capabilities for over 25 major military aircraft platforms.

To ensure compliance with strict military and federal regulations, including ITAR and EAR, AllClear maintains rigorous quality standards. The company holds AS9120 and ISO 9001:2015 certifications, ensuring that all distributed Honeywell components meet the exact specifications required by the U.S. military and allied air forces.

“Military operators depend on speed, reliability, and readiness. By strengthening our partnership with Honeywell Aerospace and investing ahead of demand, we are ensuring critical components are available when and where they are needed to support the warfighter.”

, Brent Wisch, Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Business Development at AllClear, in the company’s press release.

Industry Implications

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we observe that AllClear’s strategy reflects a broader, industry-wide pivot from “just-in-time” manufacturing to “just-in-case” stockpiling. As global supply chains remain vulnerable to geopolitical and economic disruptions, defense contractors are increasingly prioritizing inventory depth to guarantee operational continuity for their customers.

Furthermore, the sustainment of legacy fleets remains a lucrative and critical segment of the defense market. Militaries worldwide continue to operate proven platforms like the F-15 and F-18 alongside newer fifth-generation fighters. Ensuring the availability of high-wear components like wheels and brakes is essential for extending the lifecycle and readiness of these enduring fleets, making proactive distribution agreements highly valuable for global defense readiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the focus of AllClear’s recent investment?

AllClear is expanding its investment in Honeywell Aerospace’s wheels and brakes product line, specifically increasing inventory for the F-15 and F-18 fighter aircraft platforms.

What specific technology is being distributed?

The investment features Honeywell Aerospace’s Carbenix military braking systems, which are designed for extreme environments and rapid turnaround times during combat operations.

When did AllClear and Honeywell establish their partnership?

The relationship was significantly solidified in January 2023, when AllClear signed a multi-year agreement securing exclusive global distribution rights for Honeywell’s F-15 and F-18 wheels and brakes.

Sources

• Business Wire / AllClear Aerospace & Defense Press Release