On June 11, 2025, Türkiye’s Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) secured the largest defense export agreement in the Republic’s history, as Indonesia signed a $10 billion contract for 48 KAAN fifth-generation multirole fighter jets. Finalized at the Indo Defence 2025 exhibition in Jakarta, this unprecedented arms deal not only reshapes Ankara’s role in global defense exports but also signals a major strategic realignment in the Indo-Pacific. With Indonesia aiming to diversify away from Western suppliers, the acquisition of KAAN jets brings both technological autonomy and geopolitical depth.
The KAAN, formerly known as TF-X, is a domestically developed fifth-generation fighter jet designed by TAI to replace Türkiye’s aging F-16s and directly compete with advanced platforms like the U.S.-built F-35 and China’s J-20. Featuring stealth capabilities, twin engines, and a modular architecture, the aircraft boasts a top speed of Mach 1.8, a 600-nautical-mile combat radius, and integrated sensor fusion, including AESA radar and infrared search-and-track systems. Designed for multirole air superiority and strike missions, KAAN also includes future capabilities for AI integration and drone teaming, key characteristics of next-generation air combat systems. The aircraft made its maiden flight in February 2024 and will transition from U.S.-made F110 engines to Turkish-made powerplants by 2030.