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Spain Opens Talks with Turkey for KAAN Stealth Fighter

5/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Spain opened preliminary talks with Turkey to acquire the KAAN stealth fighter.
The talks follow Spain’s suspension of its US-made F-35 purchase and FCAS delays.
Spain hopes the KAAN will let it control mission software, datalinks and sustainment domestically.
Turkey aims for KAAN operational capability by 2029 after its February 21 2024 maiden flight, despite propulsion and stealth challenges.
TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroglu confirmed the discussions at the SAHA 2026 exhibition on May 7 2026.

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Story summary

Spain opened preliminary talks with Turkey to acquire the KAAN stealth fighter.
The talks follow Spain’s suspension of its US-made F-35 purchase and FCAS delays.
Spain hopes the KAAN will let it control mission software, datalinks and sustainment domestically.
Turkey aims for KAAN operational capability by 2029 after its February 21 2024 maiden flight, despite propulsion and stealth challenges.
TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroglu confirmed the discussions at the SAHA 2026 exhibition on May 7 2026.