The mockup of Turkey's first national combat jet -- the Turkish Aerospace Industries' (TAI)-developed TF-X made debut on Monday in the Paris Air Show, the largest aerospace-industry event in the world.

With the TF-X, Turkey aims to meet the operational needs of the Turkish Armed Forces (TFA) in the mid-term.

TAI General Manager Temel Kotil told Anadolu Agency this was the first time the fifth-generation national combat aircraft was showcased.

"It is going to be the best fighter aircraft in Europe," he said, adding that the TF-X would bear similar features to the F-35 fighter jets produced by the U.S.-based Lockheed Martin, and the epicenter of a dispute between Turkey and the U.S. for the past few months.

Tensions between the U.S. and Turkey have simmered over Ankara’s purchase of the S-400 Russian missile defense systems.

Washington claims the purchase will jeopardize Turkey's role in the F-35 fighter jet program and has threatened sanctions.

Turkey has said there is no conflict between the S-400 and the F-35 and has called for a working group to clarify the issue.

Kotil added that the TF-X’s maiden flight was planned to be carried out in 2025.

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