Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense announced last month that the country has signed a contract with Türkiye to purchase 48 KAAN fighter jets as part of efforts to modernize its ageing air force. According to the ministry’s spokesperson, the implementation contract was signed on the sidelines of the International Defence Industry Fair in Istanbul.
Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) as Türkiye’s first domestically produced combat aircraft, the KAAN fighter completed its maiden flight in February last year, with full-scale production slated to begin in 2028. Indonesia has become the jet’s first export customer.
Over the 10-year delivery period, KAAN fighter jets will be assembled and integrated with Türkiye-manufactured engines, while new production and maintenance facilities are established in Indonesia to facilitate technology transfer and strengthen the country’s defense industrial base. The program will involve Indonesia’s state-owned aerospace firm PT Dirgantara Indonesia and land systems manufacturer PT Republik Armorindo Defense in collaboration with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
Valued at approximately USD 10 billion, the KAAN deal reflects Jakarta’s broad-based strategy for modernizing the Indonesian Air Force, which currently operates a diverse fleet that includes aging U.S.-made F-16s and Russian Sukhoi Su-27 and Su-30 jets.
Over the past decade, the Indonesian Air Force has explored multiple options to modernize its fighter fleet, aiming to address complex operational requirements while reducing dependence on any single defense partner. It is currently awaiting delivery of the first units from a USD 8.1 billion order for 42 Rafale jets from French manufacturer Dassault, expected early next year. Since placing that order, Jakarta has also expressed interest in China’s J-10 fighters—impressed by their performance in Pakistan’s clashes with India in May—and has considered acquiring U.S.-made F-15EX Eagle II aircraft.
Türkiye’s commitment to support technology transfers in Indonesian state-owned enterprises is a significant incentive for Jakarta, which has long aimed to develop its defense industrial base. As a technologically capable middle power, Türkiye also offers Indonesia an alternative to overreliance on major powers such as China, Russia, and the United States.
In addition to the fighter jet procurement, last month’s defense expo saw Indonesia sign a memorandum of understanding with Türkiye’s TAIS Shipyard for the purchase of two Milgem Istif-class frigates, building on previous cooperation that integrated Turkish weapons and combat systems into Indonesia’s future Merah Putih-class frigates. The event also marked the signing of a technology transfer agreement between Turkish defense firm Roketsan and Indonesia for the Cakir cruise missile system.
(Source: The Diplomat)
