Does Turkey plan to go to an all TFX fleet? It doesn’t look like the Turks maybe invited back into the be F-35 program and the F-16s are aging with only the TFX visible on the horizon. Recently, even the USAF moved away from an all 5th Generation force. Would Turkey be open to exploring a similar project for a lower end, less stealthy, less costly single engine 4++ Gen fighter to form the low-end of a high-low mix with the TFX. Pakistan also has a need to replace its F-16s sooner or later, and a joint project would also help share key technologies between the two.
There is a design from Saab called the FS2020, which was designed to be powered by a 170kn engine. With TRMotor working on an engine for the TFX, it could also work for this plane. In the interim, a Chinese engine could be acquired to get the prototype flying (or the F110 if Turkey is still allowed to produce them under license due to CAATSA).
The design has an internal weapons bay, but that could be deleted if costs are an issue, or added in a future design, so it could evolve into a true 5th generation fighter; akin to the road map of the KFX. If the price can be as low as $50-60 million it could find export success in a market where the USAF buys the F-35A at $80 million. Perhaps a 250 plane order split evenly: 125 for each the TuAF and the PAF could be an initial acquisition (more could be acquired down the line when the JF-17s start retiring), and fit in the outgoing PAF ACM plan for an all 5th Gen force by 2049. The two countries working on this would also make the transition to the PFX easier. Which could also be powered by the same engine for this fighter and the TFX.
Also, this design is very similar to what the PAF wants the PFX to look like
It would also be a product on par with the best 4++ Gen fighters in one variant and a basic 5th Gen fighter in another variant. So it could be an attractive option to “neutral nations”.
This design was discussed nearly a decade ago here on PDF, and it maybe a design to revisit, considering the geopolitics, and the advancements Turkey has made in aerospace.
A twin seat model could also be offered as a LIFT platform for 5th generation fighters.
There is also the possibility, the Qataris may want to go into a 5th Gen program to maintain parity with the Emirates if they acquire those 50 F-35s. So the Qataris could go for perhaps 35 themselves. The Azeris may also want to stay up to date if the Armenians acquire the Su-57, so the Azeris might order 15; rounding out an initial order for 300 between the four countries.
considering how far they have come with the Hurjet, and their production capabilities on the F-35 about to go idle in a year or two, this could really help them bridge the gap, until the fully capable TFX is ready.
WS-10B for now, but later the WS-15 Engines (which could meet the 170 kn requirement (when fully ready) in the original SAAB design) for 300 planes would also be a good way to strengthen Turkish-Chinese relations, get access to another stream of engine technology, keep out of CAATSA, as well as not get to deeply involved with Russia, which could so easily become a regional rival once again.
Swedish Stealth fighter concept FS 2020
defence.pk
P.S. this plane could also be a way for Turkish weapons to be made for all four nations, and a way for all four nations to come to each other’s aid in the event of a way, sending planes to re-enforce each other’s air forces, especially when a Turkish engine is ready. There wouldn’t be any outside parts or weapons.
