A Landmark Deal for Turkish Fighter Jet KAAN
Indonesia is reportedly finalizing a historic $10 billion agreement to purchase 48 KAAN fifth-generation Turkish fighter jets. If signed, the deal would represent Turkey’s largest defense export to date and mark a critical milestone for its growing military aerospace industry.
According to Turkish journalist Hakan Çelik, the agreement could be announced during the Indo Defence 2025 Exhibition in Jakarta. This would make Indonesia the first international customer for the indigenous KAAN jet, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
Final Talks Near Completion in Jakarta
Turkey’s Defense Industries President Haluk Görgün is personally leading the negotiations at the exhibition. Çelik reports that both nations are discussing final contract details of the 10-year procurement project.
“This is one of Turkey’s most important defense agreements,” Çelik noted. “Indonesia’s commitment to acquiring 48 KAAN aircraft highlights the scale of this strategic partnership.”
If finalized, the deal would involve a signing ceremony between Görgün and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, symbolizing the deepening ties between the two nations.
Indonesia’s Strategic Interest in KAAN
Indonesia has long expressed interest in the KAAN fighter jet program. During an April visit to Turkey, President Subianto publicly confirmed his country’s desire to partner in both the KAAN project and Turkey’s MILDEN submarine initiative.
“We want to benefit from Turkey’s defense technology and contribute to the KAAN and submarine projects,” Subianto stated during a joint press conference with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.
This new potential deal builds on successful collaborations like the Kaplan MT medium tank, jointly produced by Turkey’s FNSS and Indonesia’s PT Pindad, which is now in active service.
Rising Global Demand for KAAN
Interest in the Turkish fighter jet KAAN is not limited to Indonesia. TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu revealed that Saudi Arabia and other countries are in active discussions regarding potential deals.
“There is strong international interest,” Demiroğlu noted during the IDEX 2025 conference in Abu Dhabi. “While nothing has been finalized yet, several high-level talks are ongoing.”
This growing attention reflects KAAN’s status as a competitive fifth-generation aircraft, drawing comparisons with other global defense platforms.
Strategic Benefits for Both Nations
For Turkey, a finalized Indonesian deal would enhance its position as a key exporter of advanced military technology. The economic and political benefits are significant, as large-scale production can help reduce unit costs and bolster Turkey’s defense sector.
For Indonesia, the acquisition represents a leap forward in modernizing its air force. It also offers a more sustainable and politically balanced alternative to its participation in South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae program, which has faced financial hurdles.
By securing KAAN jets, Indonesia aims to diversify its defense partnerships and invest in long-term technological development.
