Turkish Aerospace Industries
A Turkish state-owned aerospace and defense company developing aircraft, helicopters, unmanned systems, satellites, aerostructures, and aircraft modernization services.
Last updated October 14, 2026
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Overview
Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc., commonly known as TAI or TUSAŞ, is a Turkish state-owned aerospace and defense manufacturer headquartered in Ankara. The company was established in 1973 under the Ministry of Industry and Technology with the strategic objective of reducing Turkey's reliance on foreign suppliers for defense equipment and aviation capabilities. It has since evolved from a primarily licensed-production organization into one of Turkey's principal centers for indigenous aircraft, helicopter, unmanned-aircraft, space-system, and aviation-engineering development. TAI's early industrial foundation was closely associated with the F-16 Fighting Falcon. In 1984, a Turkish-American joint venture was established to manufacture F-16 aircraft for the Turkish Air Force, integrate onboard systems, and conduct flight testing. The program provided TAI with manufacturing, systems-integration, quality-control, and aerospace supply-chain experience. The company later produced F-16 aircraft for Egypt under the Peace Vector IV program, an important early example of Turkish aerospace manufacturing serving a third-country customer. In 2005, Turkish shareholders acquired the foreign interests in the venture, after which TAI and TUSAŞ were consolidated. The combined organization broadened its remit beyond licensed production to include aircraft design, modernization, systems integration, manufacturing, engineering, lifecycle support, and space activities. Its work now spans military and commercial aviation, rotary-wing systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, satellites, aerostructures, avionics, maintenance and modification, and integrated logistics support. The company is organized around major capability areas including aviation structures, aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicle systems, space systems, the National Combat Aircraft program, and engineering. TAI participates in international industrial partnerships and has manufactured or supplied structures and components for aircraft and helicopters associated with Airbus, Boeing, Sikorsky, Leonardo, Airbus Defence and Space, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and other aerospace companies. It has also contributed to multinational programs such as the Airbus A400M and has supplied components including fuselage sections, wing structures, stabilizers, doors, engine cowlings, tail assemblies, and other aerostructures. Since the 2010s, TAI has placed greater emphasis on national products. Its indigenous portfolio includes the Anka family of medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft, the Aksungur unmanned platform, the Hürkuş turboprop trainer and light-attack aircraft, the Hürjet advanced jet trainer and light-attack aircraft, the Gökbey utility helicopter, and the Kaan fifth-generation fighter project. Anka first flew in 2010, Hürkuş in 2013, Gökbey in 2018, Aksungur in 2019, and both Hürjet and Anka-3 in 2023. Kaan completed its first flight in 2024. TAI also develops and manufactures satellites and operates Turkey's Satellite Assembly, Integration and Test Center. Its space-related work has included the Göktürk Earth-observation satellite family and participation in the Türksat 6A communications-satellite program. Through its relationship with TUSAŞ Engine Industries, or TEI, a separate engine company established with GE Aerospace, the wider Turkish aerospace ecosystem has pursued domestic propulsion programs including the PD170, TS1400, TF6000, and the announced TF35000 engine project. Today, TAI combines defense-oriented national programs with export manufacturing, international cooperation, aircraft modernization, repair and overhaul, systems integration, and long-term support. Its strategic positioning is based on increasing Turkish technological sovereignty while retaining a substantial role in global aerospace supply chains. The company is therefore both a national industrial-policy instrument and a commercial aerospace supplier, although its ownership and customer base remain strongly connected to the Turkish state and armed forces.
History
Turkish Aerospace Industries was incorporated on June 28, 1973, under Turkey's Ministry of Industry and Technology. Its creation reflected a national policy of developing domestic defense-industrial capabilities and limiting dependence on imported aircraft and weapons systems. During its first decades, the company concentrated on production, integration, modification, and support activities that could transfer aerospace manufacturing knowledge into Turkey. A decisive stage began in 1984, when a Turkish-American joint investment was established for the F-16 Fighting Falcon program. TAI manufactured F-16 aircraft for the Turkish Air Force, integrated mission and onboard systems, and conducted flight testing. The program gave the company experience in precision aerospace production, military-aircraft assembly, quality assurance, supply-chain management, and platform support. TAI later manufactured 46 F-16 aircraft for the Egyptian Air Force between 1993 and 1995 under the Peace Vector IV program, making the company an early exporter of complete combat aircraft to a third-country operator. Before the original 25-year joint-venture period ended, Turkish shareholders acquired the foreign interests in 2005. TAI and TUSAŞ were then merged into a unified Turkish Aerospace Industries organization. The restructuring expanded the company's mission from a principally licensed-production role into a broader technology center covering design, development, modernization, manufacturing, systems integration, engineering, and lifecycle support for aviation and space systems. TAI subsequently built a broad international manufacturing portfolio. It participated in the Airbus A400M military transport program and produced aerostructures and subassemblies for commercial and military aircraft and helicopters. Reported work has included fuselage panels, wing and flight-deck structures, stabilizers, tail booms, landing-gear doors, engine cowlings, helicopter fuselages, and other assemblies for platforms associated with Airbus, Boeing, Sikorsky, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, MD Helicopters, and other aerospace companies. Alongside production, TAI undertook avionics upgrades, structural modifications, mission-system integration, aircraft conversions, and support work for Turkish and allied operators. The company also became involved in helicopter manufacturing and modernization. Its activities included licensed or partnership-based production and support for the T129 attack helicopter, T70 utility helicopter work, Cougar and Black Hawk-related modifications, and modernization of rotary-wing aircraft. Fixed-wing programs included upgrades for Turkish F-16, C-130, T-38, CN-235, and other aircraft, as well as airborne early-warning conversion and maritime-patrol configurations. Beginning particularly in the 2010s, TAI accelerated the development of nationally designed platforms. The Anka unmanned aerial vehicle made its first flight in 2010 and became the foundation for a family of intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and armed-unmanned variants. Hürkuş, a turboprop basic trainer and light-attack aircraft, first flew in 2013 and later obtained airworthiness type certification. The T625 Gökbey utility helicopter first flew in 2018, while the larger and more capable Aksungur unmanned aircraft first flew in 2019. These programs represented a shift toward indigenous product ownership rather than production based mainly on foreign designs. The national portfolio expanded further in 2023. Hürjet, an advanced jet trainer and potential light-attack platform, completed its first flight, as did Anka-3, a jet-powered stealth unmanned combat aircraft with a flying-wing configuration. In 2024, Kaan, Turkey's fifth-generation twin-engine fighter project, made its first flight. The program is intended to provide an indigenous air-superiority and multirole combat-aircraft capability, although its development and production schedule remain subject to continuing testing and government decisions. TAI's space activities include satellite design, integration, and testing. The company operates the Turkish Satellite Assembly, Integration and Test Center and has been associated with the Göktürk Earth-observation satellites and the Türksat 6A communications satellite. Its propulsion ecosystem is linked to TUSAŞ Engine Industries, or TEI, which was established with GE Aerospace and has developed engines such as the PD170 for unmanned aircraft and TS1400 for helicopters. Later engine initiatives included the TF6000 turbofan and the announced TF35000 project intended for the Kaan program. TAI also pursued projects that did not become active production lines. A Turkish regional-jet initiative announced in 2015 proposed 32-seat and 70-seat aircraft, but the TRJ-328 and TRJ-628 plans were subsequently cancelled. The company's continuing model is instead based on a mix of national platforms, multinational industrial participation, aerostructure exports, modernization, integrated logistics, and after-sales support. This combination makes TAI a central institution in Turkey's aerospace industrial strategy and an increasingly visible participant in international defense and commercial aviation markets.
- 2024
Kaan first flight
[1]The Kaan fifth-generation fighter prototype completed its first flight.
- 2023
Hürjet and Anka-3 enter flight testing
[1]TAI's Hürjet jet trainer and Anka-3 stealth unmanned combat aircraft both completed first flights.
- 2019
Aksungur first flight
[1]The twin-engine Aksungur unmanned aircraft, developed as an advanced member of the Anka family, made its first flight.
- 2018
Gökbey first flight
[1]The T625 Gökbey utility helicopter made its first flight.
- 2013
Hürkuş first flight
[1]The Hürkuş turboprop trainer and light-attack aircraft completed its first flight.
- 2010
Anka first flight
[1]The Anka unmanned aerial vehicle made its first flight and became the basis for later reconnaissance and armed variants.
- 2005
Turkish consolidation of TAI and TUSAŞ
[1]Turkish shareholders acquired foreign interests and TAI and TUSAŞ were merged, broadening the company's development and support activities.
- 1993
F-16 production for Egypt begins
[1]TAI began producing 46 F-16 aircraft for the Egyptian Air Force under the Peace Vector IV program.
- 1984
F-16 joint-production venture established
[1]A Turkish-American joint investment was formed for F-16 production, systems integration, and flight testing for the Turkish Air Force.
- 1973
Company established
[1]Turkish Aerospace Industries was incorporated under Turkey's Ministry of Industry and Technology to build domestic defense and aerospace capability.
Products and positioning
Turkey's state-backed aerospace and defense technology center, combining indigenous platform development with licensed production, international aerostructure manufacturing, aircraft modernization, and lifecycle support.
Fifth-generation fighter aircraft · 2024
Kaan
Kaan is TAI's national combat-aircraft program for a twin-engine, all-weather, fifth-generation fighter. The project is intended to provide Turkey with an indigenous advanced air-superiority and multirole combat-aircraft capability. Its prototype made its first flight in 2024, and the aircraft remains a development program rather than a mature operational product.
Jet trainer and light-attack aircraft · 2023
Hürjet
Hürjet is an advanced single-engine jet trainer designed for pilot training and potential light-attack missions. It is intended to support the transition from basic and turboprop training to high-performance combat aircraft. The program completed its first flight in 2023 and forms part of Turkey's effort to field nationally designed fixed-wing platforms.
Turboprop trainer and light-attack aircraft · 2013
Hürkuş
Hürkuş is a two-seat, single-engine turboprop aircraft developed for basic and advanced pilot training, with versions configured for light-attack and operational support missions. It first flew in 2013 and later received airworthiness type certification. The platform represents one of TAI's earliest major indigenous fixed-wing aircraft programs.
Utility helicopter · 2018
Gökbey
Gökbey, also designated T625, is a light utility helicopter developed for transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and other general-purpose missions. It first flew in 2018 and is one of TAI's principal indigenous rotary-wing programs. The aircraft is intended for Turkish government and security users as well as potential export customers.
Attack helicopter
T129 ATAK
T129 ATAK is a light attack and reconnaissance helicopter produced by TAI in cooperation with Leonardo and based on the Agusta A129 Mangusta design. TAI's work includes manufacturing, integration, and support for Turkish Armed Forces aircraft, making the program an important bridge between licensed international cooperation and Turkey's later indigenous helicopter efforts.
Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle · 2010
Anka
Anka is a family of medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, communications, and armed missions. The first aircraft flew in 2010, with subsequent Anka-A, Anka-B, and Anka-S variants adding different sensors, communications equipment, and mission capabilities. The family is central to TAI's unmanned-systems portfolio.
Medium-altitude long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle · 2019
Aksungur
Aksungur is a twin-engine unmanned aircraft developed as a larger and more capable relative of the Anka. It is intended for extended-endurance surveillance and intelligence missions and can support armed configurations. Its first flight took place in 2019, making it one of TAI's principal large-UAV programs.
Stealth unmanned combat aircraft · 2023
Anka-3
Anka-3 is a jet-powered unmanned combat aircraft with a flying-wing-inspired stealth configuration. The design is intended to reduce observability while carrying internal mission or weapons payloads. It completed its first flight in 2023 and is part of TAI's effort to extend unmanned systems from conventional ISR roles into advanced combat missions.
Earth-observation satellites · 2012
Göktürk satellite family
The Göktürk family comprises Turkish Earth-observation satellites associated with TAI's space-systems activities. TAI operates Turkey's Satellite Assembly, Integration and Test Center and contributes to the development, integration, and support of national satellite systems. Göktürk-2 was launched in 2012, while later Göktürk missions have been developed to expand national observation capability.
Aerospace manufacturing
Aerostructures and aircraft components
TAI manufactures structural assemblies and components for international commercial and military aerospace customers. Its reported work has included fuselage panels, wing tips, flight-deck panels, stabilizers, tail structures, landing-gear doors, engine cowlings, helicopter fuselages, and other subassemblies. These activities connect TAI's national defense programs with global aircraft supply chains.
Controversies
2024
Titanium traceability and certification controversy
Media reports alleged that titanium introduced into an aircraft-parts supply chain through TAI was accompanied by falsified authenticity documents from a Chinese metals supplier. The issue affected questions about aviation-grade traceability for parts used in some Boeing and Airbus aircraft manufactured between 2019 and 2023. Testing reported by Spirit AeroSystems indicated that the titanium itself was of the appropriate grade, but the documentation and supplier-control concerns remained significant.
Brand decisions
2024
Begin flight testing of KaanGeneration changeBackground
Turkey's national combat-aircraft strategy called for a domestically developed fifth-generation fighter to reduce dependence on imported combat aircraft.
Action taken
The Kaan prototype completed its first flight.
Aftermath
Kaan entered continued development and testing as the centerpiece of Turkey's advanced fighter-aircraft ambitions.
2023
Advance Hürjet and Anka-3 flight-test programsProduct launchBackground
TAI's national product strategy expanded from turboprop aircraft and conventional UAVs to jet-powered manned and unmanned platforms.
Action taken
Hürjet and Anka-3 completed their first flights during 2023.
Aftermath
The flights demonstrated progress toward indigenous advanced trainer, light-attack, and stealth unmanned-combat capabilities.
2015
Launch a Turkish regional-jet initiativeStrategyBackground
Turkey explored the possibility of developing a domestic regional-aircraft industry for smaller passenger aircraft.
Action taken
TAI announced plans for the 32-seat TRJ-328 and 70-seat TRJ-628 regional jets.
Aftermath
The proposed regional-jet project was later cancelled and did not become an active production line.
2010
Prioritize indigenous unmanned aircraft developmentProduct launchBackground
TAI sought to move beyond licensed manufacturing and develop nationally controlled aerospace products, with unmanned systems identified as an early priority.
Action taken
The company developed the Anka unmanned aerial vehicle, which completed its first flight in 2010.
Aftermath
Anka became the foundation for later reconnaissance and armed variants and helped establish TAI as a domestic unmanned-systems supplier.
2005
Consolidate TAI and TUSAŞStrategyBackground
The original foreign-participation structure was approaching the end of its planned 25-year period, while Turkey sought a broader national aerospace technology center.
Action taken
Turkish shareholders acquired the foreign interests and merged TAI and TUSAŞ under a unified Turkish Aerospace Industries organization.
Aftermath
The consolidated company expanded into indigenous design, development, modernization, manufacturing, systems integration, space systems, and lifecycle support.
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