Indonesia-Turkey Kaan Fighter Jet Deal: Defense Modernization Pact

Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Deal with Turkey: A Strategic Leap in Defense and Diplomacy

Indonesia’s decision to purchase 48 Kaan fighter jets from Turkey marks a significant milestone in both countries’ defense trajectories. The agreement is Turkey’s first export deal for its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet and reflects Indonesia’s broader ambition to modernize its military and reduce reliance on traditional arms suppliers like the United States and Russia.

Announced during the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition in Jakarta, the deal not only involves the acquisition of fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft but also includes a co-production component. This aligns with Indonesia’s “Make in Indonesia” policy and strengthens bilateral ties with Turkey, a country that has rapidly advanced its defense capabilities over the past two decades.

As global defense dynamics shift and regional tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific, the deal underscores a strategic pivot for both nations. For Turkey, it’s a validation of its growing defense manufacturing prowess. For Indonesia, it’s a step towards technological self-sufficiency and strategic autonomy in a multipolar world.

Understanding the Kaan Fighter Jet and Its Strategic Value

Turkey’s Ambitious Kaan Project

The Kaan fighter jet, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is Turkey’s most advanced military aviation project to date. Conceived as a fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft, the Kaan features stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and AI integration. It is designed to operate in complex threat environments and is expected to serve as a backbone for Turkey’s future air force capabilities.

The development of the Kaan began in earnest after Turkey’s removal from the U.S.-led F-35 program in 2019, following its acquisition of the Russian S-400 missile defense system. This geopolitical setback spurred Ankara to accelerate indigenous defense projects, with the Kaan emerging as a flagship initiative. The aircraft completed its maiden flight in 2024, using General Electric F110 engines, and is expected to transition to a domestically produced engine in the coming years.

TAI aims to deliver the first operational Kaan units to the Turkish Air Force by 2028, although some analysts suggest delays could push this to 2029. The aircraft’s modular design allows for future upgrades, including integration with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), making it a potential sixth-generation platform.

“To reduce costs, it is essential to increase the number of orders. As the number of units increases, the per-unit price of the aircraft decreases.”, Yusuf Akbaba, Turkish defense industry expert

Indonesia’s Strategic Calculus

For Indonesia, the Kaan deal addresses multiple strategic imperatives. The Indonesian Air Force (TNI-AU) currently relies on aging F-16s and a mix of Russian and Western aircraft. The acquisition of the Kaan jets will not only modernize its fleet but also signal Jakarta’s intent to diversify its defense partnerships amid evolving regional threats, particularly in the South China Sea.

Indonesia had previously collaborated with South Korea on the KF-21 Boramae program but later scaled back its involvement. Analysts argue that the KF-21 lacks full fifth-generation capabilities, whereas the Kaan offers a more advanced solution with features like stealth design and AI-assisted combat systems. The co-production component of the Kaan deal also aligns with Indonesia’s industrial ambitions, potentially boosting its domestic aerospace sector.

Defense analyst Dr. Halim Santoso of Indonesia Defense University noted, “This deal not only enhances Indonesia’s air combat capabilities but also represents a strategic partnership that can foster indigenous aerospace development.”

Implications for Regional and Global Defense Markets

The Kaan deal is emblematic of a broader trend in global arms trade: the rise of emerging defense exporters challenging traditional suppliers. Turkey’s success in securing a major jet fighter export contract places it in a new league, alongside established players like the U.S., Russia, and France. This could pave the way for additional sales to countries such as Pakistan and Azerbaijan, which have expressed interest in the Kaan platform.

Co-production agreements like the one between Turkey and Indonesia are becoming increasingly common. They offer buyer countries not only military hardware but also technology transfer, local job creation, and industrial development. For Turkey, such deals help offset development costs and validate its investment in indigenous platforms.

International security expert James Rogers of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) commented, “Indonesia’s choice signals a shift towards emerging defense suppliers and reflects changing geopolitical alignments in the Indo-Pacific.”

Broader Geopolitical and Industrial Implications

Turkey’s Emergence as a Defense Exporter

Turkey has steadily built its defense industry over the past 20 years, transitioning from an importer of military technology to a competitive exporter. Platforms like the Bayraktar TB2 drone, the Altay main battle tank, and the T129 Atak helicopter have already made inroads in global markets. The Kaan represents the next step, a high-value, high-tech export that could redefine Turkey’s position in the global arms trade.

According to Turkish defense expert Prof. Ayşe Demir of Middle East Technical University, “The Kaan program’s success in securing a major export contract validates Turkey’s growing role as a defense exporter and its technological maturity.”

Turkey’s ability to deliver on such a complex project will be closely watched. If successful, it could open doors to additional partnerships and contracts, particularly from countries seeking alternatives to Western or Russian suppliers amid increasing geopolitical polarization.

Indonesia’s Defense Modernization Strategy

Indonesia has embarked on a comprehensive military modernization program, which includes acquiring submarines, naval vessels, and air defense systems. The Kaan deal fits into this broader vision, enhancing Indonesia’s airpower and contributing to regional deterrence capabilities.

By investing in co-production, Indonesia is also laying the groundwork for a more self-reliant defense industry. This aligns with national policies aimed at reducing dependency on foreign arms and fostering high-tech industries domestically. The deal with Turkey, therefore, is not just about acquiring aircraft, it’s about building capacity and resilience.

Moreover, Indonesia’s strategic location and economic size make it a key player in Southeast Asia. A modernized air force could significantly bolster its role in regional security frameworks, including ASEAN-led initiatives and potential future coalitions in the Indo-Pacific.

Changing Dynamics in the Indo-Pacific

The Indo-Pacific region is witnessing a recalibration of defense relationships. As tensions rise in the South China Sea and other flashpoints, countries like Indonesia are seeking to diversify their military partnerships. This includes engaging with non-traditional suppliers like Turkey, which offer competitive pricing, flexible terms, and co-development opportunities.

Such deals also reflect a broader geopolitical shift, where emerging powers are forming new alliances and defense ecosystems outside the traditional Western-Russian dichotomy. Indonesia’s partnership with Turkey could be a harbinger of similar collaborations across the Global South.

As more countries seek to assert strategic autonomy, deals like the Kaan acquisition may become more common, reshaping the global defense landscape in the years to come.

Conclusion

Indonesia’s deal to acquire 48 Kaan fighter jets from Turkey is more than a defense procurement—it’s a strategic statement. It reflects Indonesia’s intent to modernize its military, diversify its defense partnerships, and build domestic industrial capabilities. For Turkey, the agreement is a validation of its defense sector’s growth and a catalyst for further exports.

The co-production element, regional implications, and technological advancements embedded in the Kaan platform make this deal a landmark in modern defense diplomacy. As both nations move forward with implementation, the world will be watching how this partnership unfolds and what it signals for the future of global defense cooperation.

FAQ

What is the Kaan fighter jet?
The Kaan is a fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, featuring stealth capabilities, AI integration, and advanced avionics.

Why did Indonesia choose the Kaan over other options?
Indonesia selected the Kaan to modernize its air force, replace aging F-16s, and benefit from co-production opportunities that align with its “Make in Indonesia” policy.

When will the jets be delivered?
Deliveries are expected to begin in 2028, with the first batch anticipated between 2028 and 2029.

What does the co-production component involve?
The deal includes technology transfer and local manufacturing of certain jet components in Indonesia, aimed at boosting its domestic aerospace industry.

Is this Turkey’s first major fighter jet export deal?
Yes, this is Turkey’s first export deal for its domestically produced fifth-generation fighter jet.

Sources: Associated Press,

Photo Credit: The War Zone