Spain Explores Acquisition of Turkish Kaan Fighter Amid F-35 Withdrawal
Spain is in discussions to acquire the Kaan stealth fighter from Turkey, following the cancellation of F-35 plans. This potential acquisition is driven by Spain's need for national control over military technology, alongside various operational gaps in its current air fleet.
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Spain is entering preliminary talks with Turkey regarding the Kaan stealth fighter, driven by the need for enhanced national control over defense capabilities. This follows Spain's decision to abandon F-35 procurement plans due to concerns over U.S. technology restrictions and a desire for European aerospace sovereignty.
Current issues include an aging EF-18 fleet and delays in the Future Combat Air System (FCAS), projected to be operational by 2040. The Kaan, designed for sovereignty in software and weapons integration, could mitigate Spain's dependence on U.S. systems.
Additionally, Turkey plans to conduct further Kaan prototype testing in 2026 and 2027, aiming for operational capability around 2029. Spain’s strategic pivot towards the Kaan reflects a broader shift in European defense procurement, highlighting the need for autonomy in military operations.
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