Turkey to focus on TF-X jet fighter after F-35 programme exit.

According to information published by Ahval on May 10, 2021, Turkey is focusing on the production of its indigenous TF-X fighter jet, because the country’s expulsion from the U.S.-led F-35 stealth fighter program has dealt an estimated blow of $1.4 billion to the local defense industry.

Follow Air Recognition on Google News at this link

TFX 5th Gen Turkish Fighter. (Picture source: TAI)

Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II procurement is the planned selection and purchase of the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II, also known as the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) by various countries.

Turkey was one of eight countries—along with the United Kingdom, Canada, Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Norway, and Australia—partnering with the United States on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program. However, the Pentagon decided to end the F-35 deal by July 31, 2019.

TF-X aircraft will be a multi-role aircraft, it will be designed mainly for an air-to-air role with consideration to air-to-surface roles as well. Upon engineering analysis, preliminary calculations, based on received information of suppliers of candidate engines, TF-X aircraft is decided to be a twin-engine configuration.

Turkish Fighter-TF, the 5+ Generation Multirole Fighter Aircraft, provides significant capabilities in both Air to Surface and Air to Air combat requirements. Turkish Aerospace’s survivable, strong and agile platform Turkish Fighter is a fully aware warrior, with intelligent and strong combat capabilities.

The TF-X 2023, 21 meters in length, 14 meters in width and 6 meters in height can reach the speed of 1,8 Mach. The first flight is planned to be made in 2023 and the prototype of the aircraft is planned to be completed within these periods.