Turkey has achieved a monumental milestone in its defense industry with the signing of an agreement to export 48 KAAN 5th-generation fighter jets to Indonesia. Announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan during the INDO Defence 2025 exhibition, this deal, led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), marks a significant leap in Turkey’s global defense presence and strengthens ties with Indonesia.
“Under the Agreement Signed with Our Friend and Brother Nation Indonesia”
In a video shared on social media, President Erdoğan celebrated the landmark deal, stating, “Under the agreement signed with our friend and brother nation Indonesia, 48 KAAN jets will be manufactured in Turkey and exported to Indonesia.” He highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, noting, “KAAN’s production will also utilize Indonesia’s local capabilities.”
Expressing gratitude to his counterpart, Erdoğan said, “I extend my greetings and thanks to my esteemed counterpart, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, whose determination played a major role in the signing of this agreement.” He also praised the institutions involved, declaring, “I congratulate all organizations that contributed to the signing of this record-breaking export contract.”
“Showcasing the Progress and Global Reach of Our Indigenous Defense Industry”
Reflecting on the deal’s significance, Erdoğan emphasized, “I hope this agreement, which showcases the progress and global reach of our indigenous defense industry, will be beneficial for both Turkey and Indonesia.” He reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to its defense sector, stating, “We have provided and will continue to provide all necessary support to strengthen our defense industry. I wish continued success to all our companies and express my gratitude to all our brothers and sisters working in the defense industry.”
KAAN: “The Pinnacle of Turkish Engineering”
The KAAN, a 5th-generation multi-role fighter jet, is a testament to Turkey’s technological prowess. Official statements describe it as “representing the pinnacle of Turkish engineering, a 5th-generation multi-role fighter jet.” With high maneuverability, low radar visibility, AI-supported avionics, and network-enabled warfare capabilities, KAAN is designed to excel in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, embodying Turkey’s vision for defense independence.
KAAN completed its first flight on February 21, 2024, and its second on May 6, 2024. Future plans include integrating a domestically developed engine to make KAAN fully indigenous and further enhance its export potential.
“Our National Technology Initiative Transcends Borders”
Haluk Görgün, President of Turkey’s Defense Industries (SSB), underscored the global impact of the deal, stating, “Our national technology initiative transcends borders; the signature of Turkish engineering is now shaping the global security architecture.” He highlighted the collaborative framework, saying, “Led by TUSAŞ and in partnership with Indonesia’s leading defense firms, this project will be one of the most concrete examples of joint production, technology sharing, and strategic cooperation.”
Görgün paid tribute to Turkey’s aviation heritage, noting, “KAAN is one of the most advanced steps in our indigenous aviation journey, from Vecihi Hürkuş to Nuri Demirağ.” He added, “The prayers of our ancestors, who once looked to the skies saying, ‘One day we will have our own aircraft,’ have been united with the ingenuity of our engineers and the determination of our nation.”
A New Chapter in Turkey-Indonesia Defense Cooperation
The export of 48 KAAN jets to Indonesia not only bolsters Turkey’s defense industry but also deepens its strategic partnership with Indonesia. By combining Turkish innovation with Indonesian capabilities, this deal sets a precedent for future collaborations. KAAN stands as a symbol of Turkey’s ambition and growing influence in global aerospace.
