Muharrem Can is a Turkish engineer who served as chief engineer at Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ), assumed technical responsibilities for the development of the HÜRJET and ANKA-3 projects, and participated in disaster response operations as a volunteer with the Search and Rescue Association (AKUT).

Muharrem Can, who received his education in mechanical engineering, pursued his professional career within Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TUSAŞ).^【1】 Throughout his tenure, he held key technical positions in Turkey’s defense industry projects.

He initially contributed to the engineering efforts of the ANKA-3 project, an unmanned combat aircraft, and played a role in completing certain phases of the program. Following his work on the ANKA-3 project, he transitioned to the HÜRJET project, Türkiye’s first indigenous jet trainer aircraft. Can served as chief engineer responsible for the mid-fuselage and body sections of the HÜRJET aircraft.^【2】

Parallel to his engineering career, Muharrem Can volunteered for over 15 years under the umbrella of the Search and Rescue Association (AKUT). Residing in Ankara, he participated in numerous disaster response operations across Türkiye, including floods, earthquakes, and forest fires.^【3】

Following the earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş on 6 February 2023, he traveled to the Hatay region and actively participated in search and rescue operations, leading efforts to extract individuals trapped under rubble.^【4】

In July 2025, as an AKUT volunteer, he deployed to the region affected by a forest fire that began in Seyitgazi district of Eskişehir and spread toward the border of Afyonkarahisar. He lost his life during ongoing firefighting operations. In total, ten people died in this fire incident, including Can, five forestry workers, and five AKUT volunteers.^【5】

After his death, identification and DNA analysis procedures were conducted at the Ankara Institute of Forensic Medicine. His body was then transported to Konya, his hometown, following an official ceremony in Ankara. On 25 July 2025, a funeral prayer was held after Friday prayers at Elmacı Camii in the Karatay district of Konya, attended by the Governor of Konya, the Mayor of Konya Metropolitan Municipality, members of parliament, local administrative officials, personnel from TUSAŞ and AKUT, and members of the public. Muharrem Can’s body was laid to rest at the Elmacı Cemetery in Meram, Konya, following the ceremony.^【6】