TAI TFX

As Turkey prepares to phase out its fleet of F-16 fighters by 2030 due to high upgrade, repair and maintenance costs, it faces challenging options to rebuild a solid fleet with deterrent firepower. 

Turkey?s tractor manufacturer, TÜMOSAN, has said it will focus on defense technologies and rail systems in addition to its main business activities, during a press meeting on Oct. 22. 

The company will start the development of an indigenous tank engine by 2016 and plans to start production by 2020. 

Turkey is setting its sights on the ambitious target of producing its own local fighter jet to become "fully independent" in its ground, naval and air defense, National Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz has said.