In February 2024, besides the United States, Russia, and China, another country successfully developed a fifth-generation fighter jet for the first time.
This aircraft didn't come from the aviation stalwart, the United Kingdom, nor did it belong to the Gallic rooster, France, but rather from a mysterious Asian powerhouse, Turkey.
Upon hearing this news, many people might feel varying degrees of regret for India. After all, India's fifth-generation jet program was also expected to take its maiden flight in 2024, with both countries striving to claim a leading position.
Furthermore, due to the outgoing nature of the leaders of Turkey and India, they are both working to enhance their influence on the international stage.
Coincidentally, Turkey is a leading power in the Islamic world, while India is the only major power that confronts Muslims head-on globally.
Hence, some are willing to refer to India as the "tough guy."
I know that most people may only know Turkey for its kebabs and ice cream, and their knowledge might be limited. But even with limited knowledge about Turkey, one cannot ignore the history of the Ottoman Empire, which spanned Europe and Asia for 600 years.
The Ottoman Empire was a vast empire that ruled over the Eurasian continent, even compelling Europeans to sail across the seas, ultimately discovering the New World, thus contributing to the foundation of the present-day United States.
Given this logic, it's not surprising that the United States refers to Turkey as its "ancestor."
However, due to missing out on the industrial revolution, the Ottoman Empire declined in the early 20th century, and the Republic of Turkey was established in 1922.
In 1926, Turkish Aerospace Industries was founded, marking the formal start of Turkey's aviation industry. Initially, the company primarily produced aircraft designed by Germany and the United States.
During World War II, Turkey maintained neutrality between the Allies and the Axis powers until declaring war on Germany in 1945, becoming one of the victorious powers in the war.
However, Turkey's aviation industry did not develop significantly as a result.
In 1952, Turkey joined NATO and began receiving military aid from the Allies.
Despite substantial aid, Turkey's defense industry did not make significant progress.
For several decades thereafter, Turkey's aviation industry remained stagnant, with almost no new aircraft introduced.
It wasn't until 1973 that Turkish Aerospace Industries was established, beginning the production and assembly of the American F-16 fighter jets.
In 1973, Turkey purchased 156 F-16 fighter jets, with 148 of them being assembled domestically.
This purchase made Turkey the third-largest owner of F-16 fighter jets after the United States and Israel.
However, Turkey's aerospace industry didn't stop at the production of F-16s; it continued to evolve.
In 1983, Turkish Aerospace Industries received a crucial task to produce American F-16 fighter jets.
In 2024, Turkey once again attracted the world's attention by successfully developing a fifth-generation fighter jet.
This aircraft features advanced stealth technology and performance and will become a significant asset for the Turkish Air Force.
In addition to the TFX fighter, Turkish Aerospace Industries has also introduced many other important products, such as the supersonic trainer aircraft Freedom Trainer and the heavy-armed helicopter T929.
Meanwhile, Turkey's drone technology has also rapidly developed in recent years, becoming one of Turkey's main defense exports.
Overall, Turkish Aerospace Industries has made significant progress over the past few decades, adding a touch of brilliance to Turkey on the international stage.
Although it will take some time for the new aircraft to enter service, these efforts indicate that Turkey is advancing towards its aerospace industry dreams.
コメント