The United Kingdom has approved an Open General Export License (OGEL) for the KAAN aircraft, part of the TF-X Program, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ).
This license permits the export or transfer of goods, software, or technology necessary for the design, development, manufacture, trial, or testing of KAAN from the United Kingdom to Türkiye or other countries covered by this license.
OGEL is a type of export license issued by the UK Foreign Office, Trade and Development (DBT). This license can be used for a specific group of goods, software, or technology without a specific recipient or destination. This allows exporters or transferrs to export or transfer goods more quickly and easily, instead of having to apply for a separate license from the DBT each time.
The TF-X Program is TUSAŞ's National Combat Aircraft project, launched to produce Türkiye's first domestically manufactured fighter jet. KAAN is a fifth-generation, twin-engine, multi-role fighter jet resulting from the TF-X Program. KAAN is designed to meet the needs of the Turkish Air Force. The first test flight of KAAN is planned for the end of this year, with serial production scheduled to begin in 2032.
The United Kingdom stands out as one of the key countries supporting the TF-X Program. A partnership agreement between Rolls-Royce and TUSAŞ for the KAAN's engine was previously signed and announced. Furthermore, the UK provides consultancy and engineering services to TUSAŞ for the design and development of the KAAN. This relationship between the UK and Turkey, which will ensure the success of the KAAN, will strengthen the UK's strategic partnership with Turkey and contribute to the enhancement of regional security.
The granting of the OGEL license should be seen as a demonstration of the good relations and defense cooperation between the United Kingdom and Turkey. This license is an important step in accelerating the development of KAAN and increasing Türkiye's domestic and national capacity in the defense industry. This license can also be considered proof that the United Kingdom views Türkiye, as a NATO ally, as one of the key countries in the alliance.
We at 100%local.com are pleased with this development, which is important for the future of the KAAN project, but we hope that this development will not slow down or cause any cancellation of Türkiye's efforts to develop its own turbofan engine.
