Like South Korea’s similar KF-X indigenous fighter, the TF-X reportedly falls short of being a true stealth fighter, though full stealth configuration-along with the implementation of indigenous engines-is planned for a third production block. Development has been bumpy, as partnerships with Russia, Sweden, South Korea, the UK, and Pakistan were all explored to no avail. With the F-35 off the table and the F-16 likely to remain in service longer as a result, the domestic TF-X project has become even more important for Turkey’s planned military modernization. Erdogan also has baited NATO allies by suggesting it may procure Russian Su-35 and Su-57 jets, but the odds of this already unlikely purchase have only become fainter since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, the country may be able to secure a modernization deal through a quid-pro-quo, in exchange for ending its block on Swedish admission to NATO. These international difficulties have thrown Turkey’s options for upgrading its F-16 fleet into question. in Syria and Iraq, attempting to claim Mediterranean islands and waters, and the targeting of Erdogan’s political opponents abroad. For example, the country no longer has access to engines for its Altay tank due to frequent dispute with other members of NATO over such issues as attacking Kurdish forces allied with the U.S. Turkey has lost access to a number of Western defense products over time. The F-35s would replace Turkey’s aging fleet of F-4 Terminators 2020s while the TF-X would replace Turkey’s F-16s.īut after Erdogan chose to purchase S-400 surface-to-air missile systems from Russia, Turkey was ejected from the F-35 program over fears that Russia might use backdoors installed in those systems to gather intel. The twin-engine TF-X was originally intended to be a more air-superiority-oriented complement to Turkey’s expected fleet of F-35 stealth fighters. The Political Struggles of Turkey’s Future Jet FightersĮrdogan, staring down the barrel of a tough election this May, undoubtedly hopes the prototype aircraft will highlight Turkey’s progress toward a self-sufficient defense industry-a drive that has been made even more necessary due to its worsening relationship with former primary arms suppliers Germany and the United States over the last decade.

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