Indonesia is set to acquire 48 units of Turkey’s fifth-generation KAAN fighter jets in a major defense procurement deal estimated at over $10 billion. The agreement, reported by Turkish journalist Hakan Çelik, is expected to be signed today in Jakarta, marking Turkey’s largest combat aircraft export order to date.
The deal is part of a 10-year defense program and comes as the two nations explore deeper strategic collaboration. In April 2025, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto announced intentions to join the joint development of Turkey’s KAAN fighter and submarine programs. He also revealed plans to establish a joint defense enterprise with Ankara, though further details remain undisclosed.
This new partnership raises questions about Indonesia’s ongoing commitment to the South Korean KF-21 Boramae fighter jet program, in which it holds a 20% development stake. Despite earlier commitments, Indonesia has frequently delayed funding obligations for the KF-21. The new KAAN deal could signal a strategic pivot away from Seoul’s program.
The KAAN, Turkey’s ambitious fifth-generation fighter jet, made its maiden flight in February 2024 and is undergoing phased development. Designed to be stealthy, highly maneuverable, and equipped with advanced onboard radar and electro-optical targeting systems, KAAN is being positioned as a future replacement for Turkey’s aging F-16 fleet.
With this latest agreement, Indonesia is aiming to significantly boost its air combat capabilities while cementing a growing defense partnership with Turkey in the Indo-Pacific region.
