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Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) CEO Mehmet Demiroglu stated that talks continue with different countries for KAAN exports, saying, "I don't want to name names, but I can say from the Gulf. Nothing is finalized yet. I hope we hear news as big as Indonesia this year or early next year."
Defense analysts believe these countries that are currently interested in Türkiye's fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN are the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, which is not verified.
Demiroglu answered foreign journalists' questions at the 55th Paris Air Show held in Le Bourget, one of the suburbs of the French capital, Paris.
Responding to a question about the export of 48 KAAN aircraft to Indonesia, Demiroglu stated that issues such as the number of aircraft and technology transfer related to the order had been decided and that discussions continue for details, which they will try to complete within a few months.
Demiroglu stated that Indonesia's KAAN order is "a reflection of confidence in Türkiye, Turkish aviation, and KAAN," saying: "What we have done in the past and what we have delivered to our security forces showed that they can trust us. The fact that the Turkish Air Force has decided to purchase the aircraft also shows that everyone can trust this aircraft."
Pointing out that Indonesia made a serious investment with its order of 48 KAAN aircraft, Demiroglu stated that the level of technology transfer will be determined in the coming months.
Demiroglu noted that talks continue with different countries for KAAN exports, saying, "I don't want to name names, but I can say from the Gulf. Nothing is finalized yet. I hope we hear news as big as Indonesia this year or early next year."
In response to the question, "Would you like to offer KAAN to European countries?" Demiroglu said they would not hesitate to give what they have to be friendly countries.
Demiroglu stated they will display all their platforms at IDEF 2025 and that some contracts will be signed at the fair.
Explaining that Türkiye can help Europe with its high production capacity in providing products, Demiroglu said, "We supply to Airbus, Boeing, and Leonardo. There are some bureaucratic slowdowns; we are trying to overcome them."
Demiroglu stated that their focus point regarding Hurjet is to take the aircraft beyond Spain to Latin America and other NATO countries, noting that two prototypes continue their flights and production continues.
Regarding the question "Is there official cooperation between Baykar and TAI?" Demiroglu answered, "We are in cooperation with Baykar, but this cooperation is not official, nor does it have to be. The platforms we produce complement each other."
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