Turkey Details Official Specifications of Next-gen Fighter TFX

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has released the specifications for its home-grown next generation fighter jet, TFX officially known as the Milli Muharebe Uçağı (National Combat Aircraft).

According to the official specifications mentioned on the company’s website, the TFX, the maximum take-off weight of the aircraft will be greater than 60,000 lb (27, 215 kgs), and will fly at the speed of 2 machs, a length of 19 meters and a wingspan of 12 meters.

It is aimed to produce modern aircraft designed with domestic capabilities and capabilities that will replace the Turkish Air Forces’aging F-16 aircraft, that will be deactivated from 2030 onwards, with the National Combat Aircraft Project (MMU) Project initiated to meet the needs of Turkish Armed Forces, the website stated.

It is envisaged that MMU will work with F-35A planes planned to enter into the inventory of the Turkish Air Force Command and that the aircraft to be produced will be in the Turkish Air Force Commandership inventory until 2070s, the statement read.

In May this year, Turkey's Kale group launched a joint venture with UK's Rolls-Royce to develop and manufacture engines for fighter jet TF-X that is being developed locally.

Rolls-Royce previously declared its interest in the TF-X project, and the company CEO Warren East visited Turkey in October 2016 for the company's possible role in the project.

The TF-X project has turned to be of crucial importance in replacing the ageing F-16 fighter jets, which form the backbone of Turkish Air Force. The first batch of the jets are expected to be delivered by 2023.

The TAI TFX is a twin-engine, all-weather fifth-generation Turkish aerial superiority fighter jet being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) with technological assistance from BAE Systems of the United Kingdom.

The aircraft is scheduled to replace the Turkish Air Force's F-16s and is being planned to be offered to foreign air forces as well. The project is one of many ongoing military projects in Turkey.