Turkey to launch production of its own military aircraft

Turkey has launched a project concerning national production of training and combat aircraft. The prototype aircraft are expected to appear in two years, Trend reports. Thus, the country will move from assembling F-16 fighters to the manufacture of its own combat aircraft.

Turkish Defense Minister Vecdi Gonul addressed the Executive Committee on the Defense Industry saying that "a decision has been taken to start talks with the Turkish aerospace company TUSAS for theoretical development of new combat and training aircraft, in order to meet the demand of the Air Forces after 2020."

In order to create a prototype aircraft within two years, theoretical development will be carried out, which will cost about $20 million. At the first stage of production the aircraft engines will be imported.