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Indonesia has signed an agreement to procure 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets worth $10 billion, signalling a strategic pivot away from India’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, once seen as a strong contender.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan confirmed the deal—described as Türkiye’s largest-ever defence export—in a video address. The KAAN jets will be manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and delivered to Indonesia over the next decade.
“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,” Erdoğan said.
First Export Order for KAAN
The deal marks the first international sale of the KAAN, Türkiye’s ambitious fifth-generation stealth fighter jet. As part of the agreement, Indonesia’s local defence industry will participate in the manufacturing process, with provisions for technology transfer and industrial cooperation—a key incentive in the partnership.
Tejas Misses Out
Indonesia’s decision comes as a setback for India’s LCA Tejas, developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). In 2022, Indonesia was among several nations—alongside Egypt, Argentina, and even the United States—that had expressed interest in the Tejas platform, according to then Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt.
Despite India’s substantial investments in the Tejas program and orders for 83 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, the jet has yet to secure a high-profile export deal on the scale of the KAAN agreement.
KAAN: Türkiye’s Stealth Flagbearer
KAAN, which completed its maiden flight on February 21, 2024, followed by a second sortie on May 6, is a centrepiece of Türkiye’s push for defence self-reliance. The aircraft boasts stealth features and advanced avionics and will eventually be powered by an indigenously developed engine.
Showcased at major global defence expos, including the Farnborough International Airshow in the UK, KAAN represents Türkiye’s ambitions to join the elite club of countries capable of developing next-gen combat aircraft.
A Strategic Partnership
President Erdoğan expressed gratitude to Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto for facilitating the deal, calling it a reflection of the “strong strategic partnership” between the two nations.
“This agreement demonstrates our shared vision for building modern, self-reliant defence capabilities,” Erdoğan said.
For Indonesia, the KAAN deal represents not only a leap in combat airpower but also a foothold in cutting-edge aerospace technologies. For Türkiye, it’s a validation of its expanding defence export capabilities and a historic milestone in its aviation journey.
Team BharatShakti
