Turkish Aerospace Industries is planning to offer Bangladesh, Pakistan and Kazakhstan a partnership to join its TF-X fighter aircraft program.
The West Asian nation has already invited Malaysia to join its indigenous fighter program and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the co-production of TF-X composites.
Malaysia has also received proposal to partner with TAI for Hurkus training/light attack aircraft.
The Turkish government plans to revive talks with Rolls-Royce for the design and production of TF-X fighter aircraft’s engine design and production. In 2016 the Kale Group signed a $131 million contract with Rolls-Royce for manufacturing the engines in Turkey however talks halted due to uncertainties over transfer of technology. Earlier in October 2016 Rolls Royce offered a joint production partnership to Turkey to power the country’s future fighter aircraft platform.
The Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) believes there is a huge scope for cooperation amongst major Muslim countries for defence production. It has signed a number of key deals with countries such as Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan and Malaysia in this regard.
BAE Systemns and TAI signed a $125 millioon agreement to collaborate on the first stage of the TF-X program.
TAI aims to conduct flight tests of the TF-X fighter aircraft by 2025-2026 now.
About the TF-X fighter aircraft
The TF-X is a low observable 5th generation jet fighter aircraft designed with multi-role and swing-role operational capabilities for employment beyond 2030. It will be also able to conduct air superiority, beyond visual range and within visual range missions.
Design features will include internal weapons bays and upgradability. Besides it will have increased situation awareness with employment of advanced sensors package and supercruise ability.
General characteristics
| Wingspan | 14 m |
| Length | 21 m |
| Height | 6 m |
| Thrust | 2 x 27,000 lbs |
| Service ceiling | 55,000 ft |
| Maximum speed | 1.8 Mach at 40,000 ft |
| G limits | ~ 60 m² (670 ft²) |
