Turkey Lands $1.4 Billion Indonesian Jet Deal

A landmark agreement solidifies Turkey’s growing role as a major defense exporter, delivering advanced fighter technology to a key Southeast Asian partner and boosting its domestic aerospace industry.

Key Development

The Turkish Aviation and Space Industry (TUSAŞ) announced a strategic agreement with Indonesia for the sale of 48 Kaan 5th generation fighter aircraft. The deal, finalized at the Indo Defense 2025 fair in Indonesia, will see the domestically designed, developed, and produced jets delivered over the next 120 months.

🚀🇹🇷🇮🇩 Türkiye’nin savunma sanayisindeki yükselişi göklere uzanıyor! 🤝 Kaan savaş uçağımızın dost ve müttefik ülkeler nezdindeki güven kaynağı olmasıyla gurur duyuyoruz. ✈️ Bu imza, teknoloji, üretim ve stratejik ortaklıkta her adımın Türkiye’ye olan güvenin birer belgesi haline geldiğini gösteriyor.

— Mehmet Demiroğlu (@MDemiroglu) February 22, 2024

The signing ceremony in Jakarta was attended by prominent figures including Indonesian President **Prabowo Subioglu**, Indonesian Defense Minister **Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin**, TUSAŞ Chairman **Ömer Cihad Vardan**, and Deputy Minister of National Defense **Mehmet Demiroğlu**.

The agreement extends beyond aircraft delivery, encompassing technology transfer to Indonesia in the aviation sector and collaborative efforts to enhance local capabilities. Indonesia’s own industrial base will contribute to the production of the Kaan.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), global arms exports increased by 6.8% between 2018-2022, highlighting the competitive landscape in which Turkey is establishing itself. https://www.sipri.org/media/press-release/2023/global-arms-transfers-reach-highest-level-since-cold-war

Background

The Kaan fighter jet, representing the pinnacle of Turkish engineering, boasts high maneuverability, stealth technology, artificial intelligence-supported avionics, and network-centric warfare capabilities. It successfully completed its maiden flight on February 21, 2024, marking a pivotal moment for Turkish aviation.

**President Recep Erdoğan** emphasized the importance of utilizing Indonesia’s local capabilities in the Kaan’s production, stating, “Within the framework of the agreement we signed with our brother Indonesia, 48 Kaans will be produced in Türkiye to Indonesia. Indonesia’s local capabilities will also be used in the production of Kaan.”

**Minister Kacır** hailed the deal as a testament to the “Turkey Century,” noting that the nation’s ability to develop and export 5th generation fighter aircraft demonstrates its growing power and influence.

**Trade Minister Ömer Bolat** expressed pride in Kaan’s expansion into Indonesia, calling it “a summit reached by our defense industry.” **Haluk Görgün**, President of the Defense Industry Agency, described the project as a prime example of strategic cooperation.

The Kaan fighter jet, a symbol of Turkey’s defense independence.

The integration of a national engine is expected to further enhance the Kaan’s export potential. This agreement signifies a major step forward in Turkey’s vision of full independence in the defense sector and its emergence as a trusted partner in the global arms market.