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President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Türkiye will export 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets to Indonesia, marking a historic milestone for the country's defense industry in what officials describe as Türkiye's largest defense export agreement.
"Within the framework of the agreement we signed with our friend and brother Indonesia, 48 KAAN aircraft will be produced in Türkiye and exported to Indonesia," Erdogan stated in a video message shared on his social media accounts.
The agreement, finalized at the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition in Indonesia, represents a major international success for Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
The KAAN fighter jet, designed, developed, and produced entirely with national capabilities, will now serve as the cornerstone of enhanced defense cooperation between the two nations.
"Indonesia's local capabilities will also be utilized in the production of KAAN," President Erdogan said regarding the production process.
In his announcement, Erdogan expressed gratitude to his Indonesian counterpart for facilitating the historic agreement.
"I convey my greetings and thanks to my esteemed counterpart, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, who played a major role in signing this agreement through his demonstrated will," the Turkish president said.
Erdogan also congratulated all institutions involved in the project, particularly the Defense Industries Presidency and TAI.
The president reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to strengthening its defense sector, noting: "We have provided all kinds of support for the further strengthening of our defense industry and will continue to support it with determination."
He concluded by expressing gratitude to all defense industry workers, wishing continued success for all companies involved in the sector.
The signing ceremony, held in Jakarta on June 11, was attended by Indonesian President Subianto, Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries head Haluk Gorgun, Indonesian Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, TAI Chairman Omer Cihad Vardan, Deputy Minister of National Defense and TAI Vice Chairman Suay Alpay, and TAI General Manager Mehmet Demiroglu.
Under the agreement, the delivery of 48 KAAN fighter jets will be completed within 120 months.
The aircraft to be delivered will feature engines produced with national capabilities, marking another milestone in Türkiye's defense independence.
The agreement encompasses not only the delivery of KAAN fighter jets but also technology transfer to Indonesia in the aviation sector. Through this strategic partnership, Türkiye and Indonesia aim to share knowledge and develop local capabilities.
The production process will utilize Indonesia's existing local capabilities, creating a collaborative manufacturing approach that benefits both nations' defense industries
The KAAN fighter jet stands out with its high maneuverability, low radar visibility (stealth), artificial intelligence-supported avionics, and network-enabled warfare capabilities.
Designed to achieve superior performance in air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, KAAN represents the symbol of Türkiye's vision for complete independence in defense.
KAAN successfully completed its maiden flight on Feb. 21, 2024, marking the beginning of a new era in Turkish aviation. The aircraft took to the skies for a second time on May 6, 2024, demonstrating continued progress in the development program.
In the upcoming phases of the KAAN project, the integration of a nationally produced engine aims to make the aircraft completely indigenous while further increasing its export potential. This commitment to full domestic production underscores Türkiye's determination to achieve self-sufficiency in advanced defense technologies.
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