Indonesia has formally expressed interest in joining Turkey’s cutting-edge fifth-generation fighter jet development initiative — a strategic move poised to deepen defense cooperation between the two countries.
President Prabowo Subianto presented the proposal directly to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during a bilateral meeting in Ankara earlier this month.
Alongside the fighter jet program, the Indonesian leader also raised the prospect of future collaboration in submarine development.
Turkey is in the advanced stages of developing its first indigenous fighter jet, “KAAN,” with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) leading the ambitious project.
The aircraft completed its maiden flight in 2024 and is expected to enter initial production soon.
During its debut flight, the KAAN reached an altitude of 8,000 feet (2,438 meters) and a speed of 230 knots (153 miles/425 kilometers per hour). In a subsequent test, the prototype surpassed this performance, climbing to 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) for over 14 minutes.
‘Better Than F-35s’
While officially designated as a fifth-generation fighter, TAI has stated that KAAN will incorporate sixth-generation capabilities — including manned-unmanned teaming.
It will also be equipped with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar for improved detection and tracking, as well as 360-degree situational awareness enabled by cutting-edge electro-optical systems.
TAI General Manager Temel Kotil has previously asserted that KAAN will surpass the F-35 in several key areas. He cited the Turkish jet’s ability to carry up to 10 tons of munitions, significantly more than the F-35’s “6-ton payload.”
He also emphasized the KAAN’s twin-engine design, offering a distinct advantage over its single-engine American counterpart.
Although still in the development phase, the KAAN has already drawn significant international interest, with Saudi Arabia expressing its intent to acquire up to 100 aircraft.
Deepening Strategic Ties
The proposed fighter jet collaboration comes on the heels of a series of agreements aimed at strengthening trade and defense cooperation between Jakarta and Ankara.
Subianto has described Erdogan as a “close friend” and “brother” — a reflection of the growing rapport between the two nations, both members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
Earlier this year, Indonesia finalized a deal to acquire 60 Bayraktar TB3 drones from Turkey, enhancing its surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision-strike capabilities.
It also approved the purchase of Khan tactical ballistic missiles, making it the first international customer of the Turkish-made weapon system.
