Turkey shows its TF-X 5th generation stealth fighter after the US, China, Russia, and South Korea have their own. Istanbul has been preparing to construct its cutting-edge fighter since it was expelled from the F-35 program.
Turkey Reveals Its F-35 Homegrown Alternative
The images of the 5th gen prototype from the assembly line were posted for the first time, reported by the Bulgarian Military.
Turkish government declined the US government's offer to purchase Patriot air defense systems in 2020. But after protracted negotiations, Moscow provided a better deal, which resulted in the decision to purchase the S-400 air defense system.
Turkey discusses how Russians provided a reasonable price offer and turnaround times and did not bind the agreement to required future arms purchases.
Months of reprisals between Ankara and Washington preceded the US having to pull out its greatest ace card. If the S-400 is brought into operational capacity, Turkey would be booted out of the F-35 Lightning II program, noted Washington Post.
Ankara ordered one hundred US stealth fighters, and many Turkish businesses produced parts and components for the US plane. However, Washington removed it from the program with terrible repercussions, forcing the US to search for other sources with comparable costs as soon as possible.
TF-X 5th Generation Stealth Fighter Takes Centerstage
Imperative for Turkey to get the TF-X 5th generation stealth fighter replacement as the fleet of older F-16 Fighting Falcons is getting old. The TF-X program got bumped up immediately.
Turks will have a difficult time with US interests that were producing materials and parts for aircraft. However, their earlier order for two US-made GE F110 engines was successful since it was a preorder, citing Defense News.
Planning for the advanced fighter project, the Turkish planners realized that it would not be a homegrown plane but dependent on other nations.
To prevent this, India tapped local firms to get a step ahead in the tech needed, was done. The GE F110s would be the template for its stealth engine prototype. A local engine is in the works to be used in the production model for the Turkish Air Force.
Turkey's Advanced 5th Generation Fighter
Pictures of the X-fighter are seen with an airframe already built and assembled; that has dual engines like the F-22. Sources indicate the plane's length as 20+ meters; the local media and onlookers said it is similar to the US Raptor. Like the Su-57 Felon and J-20 Mighty Dragon, their advanced fighter replaces older planes.
In three years, the two GE engines should make the prototype fly; when the first piloted flight happens. The chosen engines have a reputation for performance and reliability that will be good for the project, and the technology can be adapted.
Ankara will look for options similar to the F-22 engine; a max speed of Mach 2.25-2.50 and a cruising range of 3,000 kilometers. The speed-up of their advanced fighter is good, and they can build a local engine despite US sanctions. The US is eager to improve their F-16s too.
Turkey has stepped up its TF-X 5th generation stealth fighter due to the sanctions over the F-35, but it spurred Ankara on.