ANKARA, Turkey — The worth tag for Turkey’s TF-X fighter jet may very well be greater than previously expected, in keeping with the top of its manufacturer.
Temel Kotil, who serves as CEO for Turkish Aerospace Industries, said in March 2021 during a TV interview that a single TF-X could be $100 million per unit.
But this week, Kotil said that unit price “may very well be slightly bit higher.” He didn’t offer additional details or a reason for the change in cost.
The chief also said this week that the corporate will deliver 20 of the Block 10 jets to the Turkish Air Force in 2028.
“By 2029, TAI will likely be producing two Kaans a month, generating an annual revenue of $2.4 billion,” Kotil forecast, referring to the aircraft’s name recently announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
In October 2016, Rolls-Royce offered a joint production partnership to Turkey to power a few of the country’s planned platforms, and supply potential sales to 3rd parties. The British firm’s proposal involved a production unit in Turkey to fabricate engines for the TF-X, helicopters, tanks and missiles.
In January 2017, BAE Systems and TAI signed a deal value greater than £100 million (U.S. $126 million) to develop the Turkish fighter jet. “We work with Turkish Aerospace to bring know-how and engineering expertise to the TF-X programme,” BAE tweeted Feb. 15, 2022.
The TF-X is scheduled to make its maiden flight in 2026.
Burak Ege Bekdil is the Turkey correspondent for Defense News.