Indonesia Signs Contract to Purchase 48 KAAN Fighter Jets from Türkiye

Indonesia has officially signed a contract for the procurement of 48 KAAN fighter jets from Türkiye, as announced by the country's defense ministry on Tuesday, July 29. This decision is part of Indonesia's broader strategy to modernize its aging military capabilities. In addition to the KAAN jets, Jakarta has previously placed an order for 42 Rafale jets from France at a cost of approximately $8.1 billion in 2022. The Indonesian government is also exploring the option of acquiring China's J-10 jets and is engaged in discussions to purchase the F-15EX jets from the United States.

The contract for the KAAN jets was finalized during the International Defence Industry Fair held in Istanbul, with Indonesian defense ministry spokesperson Frega Wenas Inkriwang indicating that the exact financial details and delivery timelines have not yet been disclosed. The KAAN fighter jets, deemed Türkiye's first national combat aircraft, conducted their inaugural flight in February 2022, although mass production is not anticipated to commence until 2028. The Turkish defense ministry has classified the KAAN as a fifth-generation fighter powered by dual General Electric F-110 engines, similar to those found in the older Lockheed Martin F-16 jets.

Additionally, Indonesia's Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeedin was present at the signing of the agreement to reinforce both nations' commitment to collaborative technology development and to enhance the defense industry in Indonesia. Alongside the fighter jet purchase, Indonesia also signed a memorandum of understanding with Türkiye's TAIS Shipyard for two Milgem Istif class frigates during the same defense fair, although further details about the frigate agreement have yet to be made available by the defense ministry.