The TF-X is expected to keep Turkey’s aerospace industry afloat after the country’s expulsion from the F-35 program in 2019, contribute to the country’s strategic independence and generate export sales, with Pakistan being a potential customer.Īsia Times also reported that in September 2022 the US authorized a US$450 million upgrade package for Pakistan’s F-16 fleet, including earmarks for contractor engineering, technical assistance, logistics services, engine and hardware modifications and support, unclassified software and other software support.Īlthough India has taken steps to address the evolving challenge of Pakistan’s airpower, it is still being determined what role Russia will play in these moves. The TF-X prototype is expected to be unveiled in March 2023, with the first test flight in 2025 or 2026 and the type entering service in 2028 or the 2030s. The video shows a twin-engine fuselage and wings, but its engines and avionics remain out of view. More updated images of the aircraft under construction were released on Youtube. Moreover, in December 2022, Asia Times reported that the TF-X is currently in an early stage of production, with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) showing video footage of the aircraft under construction. The TF-X type is a twin-engine multirole aircraft focused on air-to-air combat but will also have air-to-ground roles. I n February 2022, Asia Times reported on Pakistan and Turkey’s partnership to jointly develop a 5 th generation fighter to replace their aging F-16 fleets. It is powered by a Russian AL-31F engine and is considered competitive against non-5 th generation aerial threats while still being cheaper than competing types. The J-10 is billed as China’s answer to the US F-16 and Swedish Gripen. In January 2022, Asia Times reported Pakistan’s announcement to acquire 36 Chinese J-10 fighter jets to counter India’s French-made Rafale fighters. Russia may thus be counting on India’s longstanding dependence on Russian-made weapons to keep its Su-75 project viable, particularly at a time India feels the need to counter rival Pakistan’s fast-improving air force through China’s support. It also states that it can fly at Mach 1.8, has an operating range of 3,000 kilometers and that a pilot batch of the fighter is expected to be produced in 2026. The report notes that the Su-75 is a single-engine light fighter featuring an internal weapons bay, has a seven-ton payload, and can strike six targets simultaneously. The TASS report notes that the Su-75 was designed as an export product, with an open systems architecture that allows it to meet diverse customer requirements. In particular, there is the intention to invite our Indian partners to join the Checkmate light tactical fighter project,” said a source close to Russian state tech corporation Rostec quoted by TASS. We plan to discuss cooperation in fifth-generation aircraft. “A delegation of representatives of our aircraft-building companies will attend the Aero India air show. This month, Russian state media outlet TASS reported that the Russian delegation attending the 2023 Aero India International Airshow from February 13-17 plans to discuss potential cooperation with India in developing the former’s Su-75 Checkmate 5 th fighter jet. Russia plans to invite India to join its beleaguered Su-75 5 th generation stealth fighter project, whose development appears to be challenged by multiple factors.
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