Singapore Airshow 2022: Turkish Aerospace displays TF-X mock-up, seeks partners

A mock-up of Turkish Aerospace TF-X multi-role combat aircraft on display at the Singapore Airshow 2022. (Janes/Ridzwan Rahmat)

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) has displayed for the first time in Asia a full-scale mock-up of its Turkish Fighter Experimental (TF-X)/National Combat Aircraft (MMU), and has made clear its intent to look for potential partners in the region.

The TF-X multi-role combat aircraft, which is on static display at the Singapore Airshow 2022 that is taking place from 15 to 18 February at the Changi Exhibition Centre, was shown surrounded by a wide range of dummy weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

A TAI representative told Janes that the aircraft will be able to carry out the full spectrum of operations traditionally identified with a fifth-generation stealth fighter, including manned-unmanned-teaming (MUM-T) operations. The UAVs would be controlled by artificial intelligence (AI), as the aircraft has a single pilot.

The TF-X is being developed for the Turkish Air Force (TurAF), and the manufacturer is interested in marketing the aircraft as part of a broader strategy to expand its business in Asia.

“It important to be part of the Asian defence industry market. We are making strategic decisions to increase our business activities both in the academic field and in production-oriented activities to enhance our presence in this market [Asia], especially in Malaysia and Kazakhstan. We are working on new business models to develop close relationships in the region in the aviation field,” TAI CEO Temel Kotil said.