Turkey's indigenous TF-X 5th-generation aircraft took to the runway to start its engines for the first time and successfully completed its first taxi test.
The TF-X, alternatively named the National Combat Aircraft (MMU), is a stealth twin-engine all-weather air superiority fighter in development by the Turkish Aerospace.
Turkish Defense Industry Agency President İsmail Demir shared the following statements on his Twitter account on March 17:
"In memory of our martyrs!
We said that we would take our National Combat Aircraft out of the hangar on March 18.
Our plane is on the runway today!
Under the leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, I hope we will witness the soaring of our sky in our homeland."
In the images shared by Demir, it was seen that the plane was completely painted gray, except for the radome (nose) and air vents.
The MMU is scheduled to make its maiden flight later this year.
After 2028, MMU is expected to enter service with the Turkish Air Force Command and eventually fully replace the F-16 aircraft.
