Indonesia to Acquire 48 Turkish KAAN Stealth Fighters by 2032: A Defense Sovereignty Move

Indonesia is poised to become the first international operator of a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet developed domestically by Türkiye, following the signing of a $15 billion implementation contract with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI/TUSAŞ) during the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2025 in Istanbul.

The agreement, finalized in July 2025, secures 48 KAAN fighter jets for the Indonesian Air Force, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2032. This procurement represents a significant shift in Jakarta’s defense strategy, prioritizing technological sovereignty and reducing reliance on platforms subject to U.S. Export controls.

According to TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu, the program is structured in three phases to meet Indonesia’s specific requirements. The initial phase, launched in 2025, established the financial framework and secured Indonesia’s position as the lead export partner. Phase two, spanning 2026-2028, will finalize technical specifications and define the role of PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI) in local production. The final phase, commencing in 2032, will spot deliveries begin with aircraft integrated with the domestically produced Turkish TF35000 engine.

The extended timeline is directly linked to Indonesia’s demand for a “sovereign configuration” – a fighter jet entirely free from components governed by the U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Current KAAN prototypes utilize the American-made General Electric F110 engine, but Indonesia has opted to wait for the TF35000 to ensure complete operational independence.

“Our goal is to deliver KAAN to our Air Force by 2028. With our domestically produced engines, deliveries to the Indonesian Air Force will begin from 2032 onward,” Demiroğlu stated in an interview with Republika on March 29, 2026.

The TF35000 turbofan, developed by TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI), is central to this strategy. Core engine testing and flight trials using KAAN prototypes P2 and P3 are scheduled for 2026. Initial serial production for the Turkish Air Force (Block 10/20) is planned for 2028-2029, with full engine integration and deliveries to Indonesia following in 2032.

The KAAN procurement is occurring alongside the development of the Anka-3, a Turkish-designed stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV). TAI is positioning the Anka-3 as a “loyal wingman” to the KAAN, intended to support fighter operations in electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and precision strike missions. Initial deliveries of the Anka-3 are expected to begin this year, according to Demiroğlu.

Beyond the acquisition of advanced aircraft, the agreement includes provisions for technology transfer and industrial collaboration with PTDI. This collaboration aims to strengthen Indonesia’s aerospace capabilities and foster a self-reliant defense industrial base. TAI has emphasized its unique capacity to develop fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned systems within a single integrated structure, positioning itself as a key partner in Jakarta’s nationalization strategy.

In June 2025, Türkiye secured the largest defense export agreement in its history, with the $10 billion contract for 48 KAAN jets. This deal not only reshapes Ankara’s role in global defense exports but as well signals a strategic realignment in the Indo-Pacific region, as Indonesia seeks to diversify away from Western suppliers.