Indonesia to Buy 48 KAAN Fighter Jets From Turkey

Indonesia will purchase 48 of Turkey’s latest KAAN fighter jets to bolster its air force.

The deal was reported by journalist Hakan Çelik on his X account.

The two countries are expected to sign the contract today in Jakarta. It would be the largest export order to date for Turkish combat aircraft.

According to Çelik, the 10-year program is valued at more than $10 billion. Further details have not yet been disclosed.

In April, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced his country’s intention to take part in the joint development of the Turkish KAAN fighter and submarine programs.

He also said that Indonesia and Turkey had agreed to establish a joint defense enterprise, though no specifics were provided.

Indonesia is already a partner in the KAI KF-21 Boramae fighter jet program with South Korea, with a 20% stake in the development cost. In return, it is to receive two prototypes and production technology for domestic assembly. The KF-21 program is estimated to cost $5.2 billion.

However, Indonesia has repeatedly paused its participation and failed to meet its funding commitments. In February 2023, reports indicated that it would resume its involvement in the project.

Its newly stated commitment to the Turkish KAAN program and the planned signing of a purchase agreement could signal a final withdrawal from the South Korean venture.

KAAN

The prototype of the KAAN fighter jet, which Turkey classifies as a fifth-generation aircraft, completed its first flight in February 2024. The aircraft is being developed in stages, with key weapons systems expected to be integrated in later prototypes.

Turkish developers aim to build a low-observable, highly maneuverable combat aircraft equipped with a modern electro-optical targeting system and onboard radar.

Ground testing began in March 2023, and the first runway trials took place on March 16. The Turkish Defence Industry Agency is considering KAAN as a future replacement for the country’s F-16 fleet.