Indonesia signs landmark deal for 48 Turkish KAAN fighter jets

Indonesia has signed an agreement with Turkey to purchase 48 KAAN fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, marking the first international sale of Turkey’s domestically developed combat aircraft. The deal was formalised at the Indo Defence trade show in Jakarta and announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an.

The aircraft, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), will be produced in Turkey with contributions from Indonesia’s local industry. Deliveries will take place over a 10-year period, with the jets powered by the upcoming TF35000 Turkish-built turbofan engine.

Beyond aircraft delivery, the agreement includes significant technology transfer and industrial collaboration aimed at enhancing Indonesia’s aviation capabilities. TAI described the sale as a strategic milestone for Turkey’s defence exports.

First unveiled in 2019 and flown successfully in 2023, the KAAN is designed for multirole combat, featuring AI-supported avionics. While Turkey is set to receive its first KAAN jets in 2028, other nations, including Azerbaijan, have also joined the program.

Indonesia’s decision comes as it weighs multiple fighter jet procurements. Jakarta is awaiting Rafale deliveries from France, has signed an MoU with Boeing for F-15EX jets, and is reportedly considering China’s J-10. Its ongoing involvement in South Korea’s KF-21 program faces scrutiny amid an IP theft probe.