Turkey is on its way to becoming the next nation to join the elite club of countries with fifth-generation fighter jets, a group that includes the United States, Russia, China, and South Korea. While Turkey’s plans for its fighter jet have been known for several years, recently released official images from the prototype’s production line have provided a first glimpse into this ambitious project.
The TF-X project was initially conceived in 2010 but gained significant importance for Turkey only in the past two years. In 2020, Ankara turned down an offer from Washington to acquire Patriot air defense systems and instead opted to purchase the Russian S-400 air defense system after extensive negotiations. Turkey cited better pricing, delivery terms, and the absence of mandatory future arms purchases as reasons for choosing the Russian system. This decision triggered months of disputes with the United States, with the U.S. playing its strongest card: a warning that if Turkey activated the S-400, it would be ousted from the F-35 Lightning II program.
Turkey had initially ordered a hundred American F-35 fighter jets, with many Turkish companies contributing parts and components to the production. Being removed from the program had negative implications for both the Turkish economy and Washington, which had to quickly find alternative sources for Turkish components at the same price and timeline.
Facing a gap in its fleet after the F-16 Fighting Falcons, Turkey accelerated the TF-X project. Turkey also had to grapple with U.S. influence over other countries producing aircraft components, engines, and materials. However, Turkey was able to secure two GE F110 engines from the U.S. due to prior orders.
Simultaneously, recognizing the long-term dependence on the U.S. and other partners, Turkey initiated measures to boost local production, similar to India’s approach. The two U.S.-ordered engines will be used for the TF-X prototype, while Turkey is in the process of developing its own engines to power its fighter jets.
Images shared online depict the TF-X’s progress, with the plane’s body already assembled. It appears the TF-X will feature twin engines, and sources on the ground suggest it will be over 20 meters in length. This characteristic has led Turkish media and observers to draw comparisons with the American F-22 Raptor, despite other 20+ meter-long contenders like the Su-57 Felon and the Chinese J-20 Mighty Dragon.
The GE F110 engines are expected to power the TF-X prototype within three years, with 2025 marked as the year for the first significant TF-X flight. Some experts consider GE F110 engines highly reliable and efficient, indicating that Turkey’s future TF-X engine may follow suit. Others speculate that Turkey might leverage GE’s F110 patents.
However, whether the GE F110 engines will meet the TF-X’s specific requirements remains to be seen. Turkey may seek engine options similar to the Pratt and Whitney F119-100, as used in the F-22, with a maximum flight speed ranging from Mach-2.25 to 2.50 and a maximum range of 3,000 kilometers.
The unveiling of the TF-X on the assembly line represents a positive development for Ankara. On one hand, it demonstrates Turkey’s determination to proceed with the project despite American sanctions, showcasing their ability to embrace the challenge and construct their fighter jet. On the other hand, this progress is expected to expedite the renewal of Turkey’s F-16 fleet.
The United States has already agreed to upgrade Turkey’s existing F-16s, and given Turkey’s advancements, it would make sense to continue offering upgrade opportunities in the coming decade while TF-X tests, first flights, and initial production are underway. If anything, the U.S. may inadvertently be accelerating the TF-X’s development. Economic sanctions from Washington can be effective, but sometimes, it’s essential to acknowledge that you’re not the only player in the game.
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