In a surprise move, the Indonesian government has entered into an agreement with Türkiye aerospace prime Turkish Aerospace to acquire up to 48 fifth-generation Kaan National Combat Aircraft, the company announced on 11 June during the opening day of the 2025 Indo Defence Expo and Forum in Jakarta.
“In accordance with the agreement, all 48 Kaan aircraft will be delivered within 120 months,” stated Turkish Aerospace. The announcement marks the first major international commitment to acquire the new Turkish stealth fighter.
The company added that the agreement provisions for the delivery of the KAAN aircraft as well as significant aerospace technology transfer components in the field of aviation,” added the Turkish Aerospace statement. The new aircraft will also be powered by the domestically produced TF35000 turbofan engine currently under development till 2032.
“Through this strategic cooperation, Türkiye and Indonesia aim to promote knowledge sharing and enhance local capabilities,” added Turkish Aerospace. “The agreement also envisions leveraging Indonesia’s industrial infrastructure and production capacities for the KAAN program.”
The KAAN multirole stealth fighter was first unveiled at the Paris Air Show in 2019 as the TF- and features advanced technologies including AI supported avionics. The aircraft achieved its maiden flight in 2024 and is on track to be delivered to the Turkish Air Force in 2028, according to Turkish Aerospace.
Indonesia continues to send mixed signals about its involvement in South Korea’s KF-21 fighter development program. Despite being accused of late payments and alleged intellectual property theft in recent years, Jakarta appears to be still committed to the the effort, with the state-run aerospace company PT Dirgantara Indonesia signing a strategic cooperation agreement with KF-X developer Korea Aerospace Industries a day after announcing the acquisition of the KAAN.
Indonesia is also expecting first deliveries of 42 French-made Dassault Rafale multirole combat aircraft next year ordered under a US$8.1 billion deal. Jakarta has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Boeing for up to 24 F-15EX combat aircraft, although it has not committed to an order just yet. There is also a reported interest in acquiring China’s J-10 combat aircraft.
by Jr Ng
