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INDIGENOUS DESİGN

In order to meet Turkish Air Force (TurAF)

requirements beyond 2030s, Türkiye has TFX Program

introduced an indigenous design and Within the scope of TF-X Program, Türkiye will become one of the few countries to possess the necessary

technologies, engineering infrastructure and production capabilities, once the engineering activities on all
development program (TF-X) to rejuvenate the critical technologies are accomplished (e.g. increased situational awareness, sensor fusion, low
observability, weapon bay, …etc), which are needed by a 5 th generation (or beyond) jet fighter aircraft.
the fighter jet fleet of TurAF. TF-X aircraft is planned to be kept operational in the TurAF inventory until 2070s and will be interoperable with other critical
assets of TurAF such as F-35As.

The TF-X indigenous design and development program prime contract between the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) and
Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI) has been signed on 5th of August 2016.

The timing of this signature alone, is a key demonstrator of Türkiye’s determination of running mega-projects uninterruptedly,
even under extraordinary conditions.

Currently, the prime contract covers the initial four (4) years (starting after signature of major subcontracts) which will end up
with completion of preliminary design phase. Within this period beyond the design and development of TF-X Aircraft,
engineering capabilities, technology development activities (for key sensors like radar, electronic warfare..etc.), test
infrastructures establishment and certification processes will be performed and extensive capabilities for a new generation
jet fighter design, development and production will be gained by Turkish industry. TF-X aircraft will be a multi-role aircraft, it
will be designed mainly for air- to-air role with a consideration to air-to-surface roles as well. Upon engineering analysis, TF-X
aircraft will be a multi-role aircraft, it will be designed mainly for air-to-air role with a consideration to air-to-surface roles as
well. Upon engineering analysis, preliminary calculations, based on received information of suppliers of candidate engines, TF-
X aircraft is decided to be a twin engine configuration.

In this regard a Heads of Agreement (HoA) was signed between TAI and BAE Systems on 28th
of January 2017, in the presence of the Prime Ministers of Türkiye and the United Kingdom. In
addition, the Letter of Agreement (LOA) was signed during the IDEF 2017. The TAI-BAE Systems
Collaboration Agreement was signed and entered into effect on 25th of August 2017.

One of the key ambition and consideration of SSB and TurAF, which is shared by the Turkish industry as well, is the exportability
of TF-X aircraft to key allies and friendly countries. In this regard, Türkiye also welcomes any opportunities for participation of
interested countries in a win-win model.

82 SÜRDÜRÜLEBİLİR SAVUNMA VE HAVACILIK SANAYi