This article summarizes reporting by Anadolu Agency.

From Prototypes to Power: Turkey’s “National Wings” Set for Mass Production in 2026

The Turkish defense and aviation industry is preparing for a pivotal transformation in 2026, marking a strategic shift from prototype testing to serial production and inventory entry. According to reporting by Anadolu Agency, the coming year will see the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) officially receive next-generation assets, including the unmanned fighter Bayraktar KIZILELMA and the stealth combat drone ANKA-3.

Backed by a record-breaking defense budget projected at approximately $27.34 billion, the nation’s aerospace sector is accelerating its most ambitious programs. The flagship KAAN fighter jet project is expected to move beyond initial flight testing into a phase of intensive development and official procurement. As detailed in recent reports, this transition represents a critical step toward Turkey’s goal of strategic autonomy in aerial warfare and air defense.

Manned Aviation: KAAN and HÜRJET Milestones

The National Combat Aircraft, known as KAAN, remains the centerpiece of Turkey’s aerospace roadmap. TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace Industries) is reportedly preparing to expand the flight test campaign with second and third prototypes scheduled to join the program in 2026. Anadolu Agency reporting indicates that an official orders for the first 20 units is expected to be signed shortly, setting the stage for serial production deliveries targeted for the 2028–2029 timeframe.

HÜRJET Production and Export Success

Parallel to the fighter program, the HÜRJET jet trainer and light attack aircraft is entering a phase of rapid industrial ramp-up. TUSAŞ aims to increase production rates to two or three aircraft per month to meet both domestic and international demand. The platform has already garnered significant international attention.

“We want to increase production to two, then three per month as soon as possible.”

— Mehmet Demiroğlu, TUSAŞ General Manager (via Anadolu Agency)

Reports highlight a historic agreement with Spain, valued at approximately $3.3 billion, for the export of 30 HÜRJET trainers. This deal marks a major entry for Turkish aerospace into the NATO and European markets, validating the platform’s capabilities before it sees widespread service.

Unmanned Systems: The Rise of KIZILELMA and ANKA-3

2026 is projected to be the year Turkey’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) evolve into air-to-air combat assets. Baykar’s KIZILELMA, described as a revolutionary unmanned fighter, is slated to enter the TAF inventory in the first quarter of 2026. Production goals for the year include the manufacture of over 10 units, signaling a move toward operational fleet integration.

Similarly, the ANKA-3 stealth combat drone, developed by TUSAŞ, is transitioning from critical design to serial production. Reports suggest an expected order of over 50 units for the Air Force, with two new prototypes being built in 2026 to finalize capabilities. Meanwhile, the Bayraktar TB3 is set to achieve full integration with the TCG Anadolu amphibious assault ship, providing the navy with a unique short-runway UCAV capability.

Strategic Infrastructure: The “Steel Dome” and Engine Independence

Beyond individual platforms, Turkey is advancing its integrated air defense network, dubbed the “Steel Dome” (Çelik Kubbe). This “System of Systems” is designed to integrate sensors, command control, and weapons into a single AI-driven network covering all altitudes. Deliveries under a new $1.3 billion contract with ASELSAN are scheduled to begin in 2026, supported by the commissioning of the Ogulbey Technology Valley.

Engine independence remains a critical priority. The TEI TF-6000 turbofan engine, having completed successful tests, will serve as a technological stepping stone for the more powerful TF-10000, intended to power the KAAN in the future. In the interim, partnerships with Ukraine continue to supply engines for platforms like the ANKA-3 and KIZILELMA, with plans advancing for joint ventures to localize production.

AirPro News Analysis

The transition from “first flight” PR events to the grind of serial production is often the most dangerous phase for defense programs, industry insiders call it the “valley of death.” However, the reported $27 billion budget allocation and the securing of high-value exports like the Spain HÜRJET deal suggest Turkey has successfully bridged this gap. By securing external revenue streams and committing to multi-year domestic orders (such as the 20 KAAN jets), the Turkish defense industry is insulating its flagship projects from domestic economic volatility. The focus on the “Steel Dome” integration further indicates a mature doctrinal shift: Turkey is no longer just building isolated platforms but is constructing a comprehensive, network-centric warfare architecture.

Sources

Sources: Anadolu Agency