Turkey Exports 48 KAAN Fighter Jets to Indonesia as Defense Ties Strengthen

Strategic Insights -

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the first export deal for Turkey's advanced KAAN fighter jets, with 48 units to be manufactured in Turkey and exported to Indonesia. The deal follows growing economic and defense ties between the two countries, with Indonesia seeking to upgrade and modernize its arsenal. The agreement showcases Turkey's progress in its domestic and national defense industry, with Indonesian President witnessing the signing of the KAAN purchase plan agreement by their defense ministers.

Key Takeaways:

  • 48 KAAN fighter jets will be manufactured in Turkey and exported to Indonesia, marking the first export deal for the advanced aircraft still in development.
  • The deal came on the sidelines of the defense industry exposition, Indo Defence 2025, in Jakarta, and was announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan via an X post.
  • Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin and Turkish Defense Industry Secretary Haluk Gorgun signed the KAAN purchase plan agreement, as witnessed by the Indonesian President.
  • Analysts consider Indonesia's defense a priority for President Subianto, who wants to expand the military by buying submarines, frigates, and fighter jets.
  • Turkey's first indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, the KAAN, successfully completed its maiden flight in 2024, with first units expected to be delivered in 2028.
  • The agreement is reportedly worth $10 billion, with local media citing the deal as a significant milestone in Indonesia's drive to upgrade and modernize its arsenal.

Statistics:

  • 48 KAAN fighter jets to be exported to Indonesia.
  • The deal is reportedly worth $10 billion.
  • The KAAN fighter jet successfully completed its maiden flight in 2024.
  • First units of the KAAN are expected to be delivered in 2028.
  • Indonesian President stopped in Turkey during a defense industry exposition, Indo Defence 2025.
  • Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin signed the KAAN purchase plan agreement with Turkish Defense Industry Secretary Haluk Gorgun.

Sources:

  • AP. (2025, November). Turkey Exports 48 KAAN Fighter Jets to Indonesia as Defense Ties Strengthen. The Associated Press. Retrieved from [https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-turkey-military-exports-4def03735dca4ad6add065bf6c8d7b96](https://apnews.com/article/indonesia-turkey-military-exports-4def03735dca4ad6add065bf6c8d7b96)
  • [https://www.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2025/11/15/turkiye-indonezya-ilk-ilan-kaberi/](https://www.sabah.com.tr/gundem/2025/11/15/turkiye-indonezya-ilk-ilan-kaberi/) (in Turkish)