The Turkish defence and aerospace industry has marked a historic milestone. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) has signed a strategic agreement with Indonesia for the sale of 48 fifth-generation KAAN fighter jets. The signing ceremony took place at the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition in Jakarta, with senior defence officials from both countries in attendance.
President of Türkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, emphasised the agreement in a statement on social media platform X, noting that the aircraft will be “produced in Türkiye with support from Indonesia’s local resources.”
A Strategic Turning Point on the Global Stage
TUSAŞ described the sale as “a significant strategic milestone on the international stage.” Deliveries are set to be completed within ten years, with the aircraft powered by the domestically developed TF35000 turbofan engine.
The agreement covers more than just aircraft sales; it includes a multi-layered cooperation framework encompassing technology transfer, local production contributions, and knowledge sharing. TUSAŞ stated, “This partnership will accelerate the development of aerospace capabilities in both Türkiye and Indonesia and contribute to the industrial capacity of both nations.”
KAAN: A Fifth-Generation Multirole Fighter Jet
Originally unveiled at the 2019 Paris Air Show under the codename “TF-X,” the KAAN fighter jet successfully completed its maiden flight in 2023. Initial deliveries to the Turkish Armed Forces are expected in 2028.
Designed for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, KAAN incorporates fifth-generation fighter technologies, including AI-assisted avionics, low radar cross-section, and high manoeuvrability.
Global Interest Growing: Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Gulf States in Focus
International interest in KAAN is steadily increasing. Azerbaijan became the first country to officially join the programme in 2023. Pakistan and an undisclosed Gulf nation are also reportedly evaluating the aircraft.
Indonesia’s decision is being closely watched for its potential impact on the country’s interest in other fighter jet options such as China’s J-10, France’s Rafale, and the U.S.-made F-15EX. Meanwhile, Indonesia’s participation in South Korea’s KF-21 programme remains a contentious issue due to ongoing debates over intellectual property rights.
