Turkey reportedly aims to produce KAAN fighter jet for Brazil
The agreement between Embraer and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), signed in early April, officially involves a potential collaboration in the production of E2 commercial jets, but the Turkish media sees the partnership as having a broader scope.
The two companies could theoretically support each other in defense projects, where they work in a complementary manner.
Embraer currently has the A-29 Super Tucano and the C-390 Millennium in its military aircraft portfolio, in addition to special versions for reconnaissance and maritime patrol missions under study.
TUSAŞ, in turn, has invested in advanced combat aircraft, whether in the light supersonic trainer Hürjet or the 5th generation fighter KAAN.
The KAAN is the target of speculation in the Turkish press. According to some experts, Embraer could contribute to the project thanks to its extensive industrial experience.
“Embraer could shorten development timelines or enhance production efficiency,” said Turkiye Today.
Brazil’s second fighter?
The outlet also cites observers who see a possible variant of the KAAN for Brazil, produced by Embraer.
The Brazilian Air Force (FAB) has a contract for 36 Gripen E/F fighters with Saab, of which eight have been delivered. The service intends to close a second batch of aircraft, in exchange for the Swedish Air Force’s choice of the C-390.
However, the FAB’s philosophy of having two types of fighter in its inventory would weigh in favor of the KAAN. Furthermore, it is a stealth aircraft, a capability that the Gripen does not have.
For now, the signed MoU will study possible collaborations in the supply of components for the E2 family aircraft and, eventually, an assembly line for the jet in Türkiye.
The talks for the sale of the C-390 to the Turkish Air Force, however, show that the rapprochement between Embraer and TUSAŞ could actually lead to more ambitious plans.
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Ricardo Meier
Creator of the website that started in 1996 as a magazine. He also writes on Brazilian websites AUTOO, MOTOO and MetrôCPTM.
