Indonesia Signs Deal to Purchase 48 KAAN Stealth Fighter Jets from Turkey
On November 11, Indonesia signed a contract to procure 48 Turkish KAAN stealth fighter jets, totaling around $10 billion, aimed at enhancing its modern air defense capabilities.
This deal marks a historical milestone in Turkey's defense exports, representing the largest military sale in the country's history and opening a new chapter in bilateral cooperation. The agreement was signed in Jakarta during the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition, with Indonesian President Prabowo witnesses the signing with Turkey's aerospace company (TUSAS). The jets are expected to be delivered over the next decade.
All aircraft will be produced in Turkey, with Indonesia's defense industry expected to participate in the supply chain, thus enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
This order not only sets a record for Turkish defense exports but also signifies the first large-scale export of domestically produced manned aircraft, possibly paving the way for a strong foothold in the global fighter jet market.
Indonesia’s procurement plans for next-generation jets have been in the works for some time, with U.S., European, and even Chinese aircraft previously under consideration. However, due to Indonesia's past withdrawal from the KF-21 project with South Korea, there has been uncertainty surrounding its intentions.
With the emergence of the KANN, a new option arises in the global fighter jet market, providing a boost for Turkey's defense industry. The KAAN features a stealthy design that meets fifth-generation performance criteria, suitable for air superiority and ground strike missions, with its avionics and radar systems adopting a modular design that can be upgraded according to needs, and capable of integrating future technologies such as drones and AI.
The KAAN is set to make its maiden flight in early 2024, with prototype testing currently underway. The Turkish Air Force is expected to start receiving the jets beginning in 2028, and there are future plans to replace it with domestically produced engines to further enhance defense autonomy.
