As of early 2026, Turkey and South Korea are well ahead of India in the race to develop and operationalize indigenous 5th-generation stealth fighter jets. Both nations have successfully moved past the initial design phases into active, multi-prototype flight testing, with production scheduled to begin in 2026.
Turkey has firm plans to produce at least 300 KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets, 150 of which will be exported to friendly and allied countries.
Conversely, India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program, time and again faces jerks in an earlier stage, with the first prototype roll-out planned for 2026–2027 and the first flight expected in 2028–2029. Some Indian defence experts expect more delays up to 2030-31.
Turkey’s KAAN (TF-X) Program Status
Turkey is rapidly advancing its KAAN 5th-gen program, aiming for full operational capability by 2032.
Prototype Progress: Following the maiden flight in February 2024, Turkey is concurrently testing multiple prototypes (P0, P1, and P2) as of February 2026.
Timeline: The second prototype (P1) is expected to fly in mid-2026. Serial production is targeted for 2029, with initial aircraft entering service around that time.
Engine: Initially using US-made F110 engines, Turkey plans to shift to an indigenous engine after 2030.
South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae Program Status
South Korea is leading in terms of near-term deployment, with the KF-21 scheduled for service entry in 2026.
Production: Serial production began in July 2024, and the first operational units are slated for delivery to the Republic of Korea Air Force in 2026.
Generation: Initially, the KF-21 Block I will be a 4.5-generation fighter (lacking internal weapon bays) to ensure early operational status, with stealthier Block II/III variants following.
Export: South Korea is targeting the export market, with strong interest from various nations, while Indonesia remains a partner.
India’s AMCA Program Status
India is well behind and shaky for the prototype development phase, having received Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approval in March 2024.
Timeline: The first prototype is expected to be rolled out in 2026-27, with the first flight anticipated in 2028 and induction slated for 2034–2035.
Development Model: To accelerate the project, India has adopted an “industry partnership model,” allowing private firms to compete with as they have cancelled the partner with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Engine Development: India is partnering with France’s Safran to co-develop a 120 kN engine for the AMCA, with a 10-year development timeline.
Summary Comparison (2026 Update)
| Feature | Turkey (KAAN) | South Korea (KF-21) | India (AMCA) |
| Status (2026) | 3+ Prototypes in testing | 1st Delivery/Production | Prototype Mfg Phase |
| Maiden Flight | 2024 (P0) | 2022 (P1) | 2028-2029 (Expected) |
| Service Entry | ~2029-2030 | 2026 (Block I) | 2034-2035 (Expected) |
| Engine | US (init), Indig. (later) | US (GE F414) | US (init), Safran (later) |
While India is lagging behind in the immediate 5th-gen fighter timeline, the accelerated push for private sector involvement and international partnerships for engine development (Safran) is aimed at closing this gap over the next decade
Pakistan Defence Industries
JF-17 and Al Khalid-2 to 5th generation stealth fighter project Azm
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