Indonesia is buying a fifth batch of 48 stealth fighter jets from Türkiye in the biggest deal in history, underscoring its efforts to modernize its air force.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•16/06/2025
Indonesia is set to buy 48 KAAN fifth-generation stealth fighters from Türkiye, a $10 billion deal that would mark one of the largest defense contracts in Türkiye's history, according to Turkish journalist Hakan Celik. The signing was completed at the recent Indonesian Defense Exhibition & Forum in Jakarta. Photo: @The Economic Times. The KAAN, a fifth-generation multirole fighter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, represents Türkiye's ambitions to compete in the global arms market. The KAAN, formerly known as the TF-X, is a twin-engine, stealthy fighter designed to replace Turkey's aging F-16 fleet and compete with global heavyweights such as the US-made F-35 and China's Chengdu J-20. Development began in 2016, with Turkish Aerospace Industries leading the project in partnership with BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce on engine technology. Photo: @ Atlantic Council.
According to Turkish Aerospace Industries, the jet made its first flight on February 21, 2024, reaching an altitude of 2,438 meters during a 13-minute test. The second flight took place on May 6, 2024, climbing to an altitude of 3,048 meters, and a twin-engine boost test was conducted on December 6, 2024. The aircraft has an angular design to minimize radar detection, a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (equivalent to about 2,225 km/h) and a combat radius of more than 1,100 km. Photo: @ Daily Sabah.
The KAAN’s sensor suite includes an active electronically scanned array radar and an infrared search and track system, allowing integration with networked drones for advanced aerial warfare. Turkish officials aim to deliver 20 KAAN jets to their air force by 2028, with serial production increasing to two aircraft per month by 2029, according to a statement by Temel Kotil, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries. Photo: @Bloomberg. The KAAN’s multi-role capabilities make it versatile for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions, a key factor in Indonesia’s decision. Unlike the Rafale, which lacks advanced stealth features, the KAAN offers capabilities comparable to fifth-generation fighters, positioning it as a future-proof option for the Indonesian air force. Photo: @Daily Sabah. The deal not only strengthens ties between Jakarta and Turkey, but also signals a shift in the global defense landscape, as countries like Indonesia look beyond traditional Western suppliers for advanced military technology. The deal comes after months of growing ties between Indonesia and Turkey. In April, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto expressed interest in joining the KAAN program during a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, according to Indonesia’s Antara news agency. Photo: @Türkiye Today.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has made it a priority to boost Indonesia's military capabilities to address security challenges in the Indo- Pacific , particularly in the disputed South China Sea. The decision to buy the KAAN jets comes as Indonesia diversifies its defense partnerships, having previously committed to buying 42 Rafale jets from France for $8.1 billion, with deliveries expected to begin in 2026. However, the KAAN deal offers a better strategic advantage, allowing access to advanced technology, without being subject to the strict export controls often imposed by Western nations such as the United States. Photo: @Air Data News.
Báo Khoa học và Đời sống•16/06/2025
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