Pakistan is in advanced stages of talks with Turkey to set up a production facility for the Tay Khan fifth-generation stealth aircraft in the country, which could significantly strengthen Pakistan’s air power.
The facility is expected to focus on producing a local version of the most advanced next-generation stealth jet aircraft.
The report was released amid talk that Pakistan would procure 40 fifth-generation stealth Shenyang J-35 fighter jets from China. These jets are expected to replace Pakistan’s aging fourth-generation F-16s and France’s Mirage fighters.
Read more: Will Pakistan soon have 40 fifth-generation stealth J-35 fighters?
The Kaan (officially TAI Kaan or TF) was developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and features automatic target recognition, multi-target tracking, ground mapping, AI-assisted target restriction, electronic warfare capabilities, and enhanced missile guidance. -X) – has excellent situational awareness and formidable deterrence.
“Discussions on the export of Khan fighter jets and joint development plans for helicopters highlight the shared ambition to promote defense technology cooperation and industrial partnership,” Turkish media reports said.
According to media reports, discussions are likely to focus on technical and logistical aspects of establishing the force in Pakistan.
“Pakistan may have officially joined the Khan stealth aircraft project. Several subsystems will be manufactured in Pakistan. Joint production lines may be established. This will reduce the economic burden. It will be significantly reduced and jobs will be provided to Pakistanis,” EuroAsia Times reported, citing sources.
Nevertheless, according to Air Marshal Anil Chopra, a retired Indian Air Force officer, Khan will not be ready to assume office until 2030.
Read more: Is Indian Air Force concerned about China’s 6th generation fighter amid Tejas delivery delays?
He said cash-strapped Pakistan may not be able to purchase two different types of stealth fighter jets, and Pakistan recognizes that its military cannot rely solely on Chinese equipment and needs to diversify. He pointed out that discussions with Turkey are continuing. “Through Mr. Khan, we will strengthen defense cooperation with Turkey, which is a reliable partner,” Eurasian Times quoted him as saying.
Reports about Pakistan’s fifth-generation fighter jet ambitions come as Indian Air Force Chief of Air Force Commander AP Singh recently said that while the IAF was waiting to deploy the jets, its northern and western adversaries were moving at a “very fast pace”. This came even as the government expressed concerns about the country’s increasing air power. Delivery of Tejas aircraft.
Meanwhile, India’s fifth-generation fighter program is primarily focused on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), which is expected to be completed by 2028.
