Media: Türkiye's KAAN fighter jet reshaping regional alliances

The Turkish fifth-generation fighter jet project KAAN has drawn significant international media attention immediately following its announcement.

As "Star" daily reports, recent statements by Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO of Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), about the project have had a considerable impact on foreign media coverage, per Caliber.Az.

Demiroğlu stated that four countries — Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia — have shown interest in the KAAN fighter jet program.

The potential export of KAAN is expected to enhance Türkiye’s influence and is being described as a bold step toward reducing reliance on foreign military technologies.

The report highlights that Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are particularly interested in the KAAN program and that both countries are prioritising the Turkish aircraft as they diversify their defence portfolios.

Saudi Arabia’s turn toward the KAAN is attributed to its dissatisfaction with the stalled and prolonged negotiations to purchase the F-35 from the United States, as well as a broader strategy to reduce dependency on Western arms suppliers.

While Indonesia's interest in the KAAN has also been mentioned, it was noted that the Jakarta government views the aircraft as a supplementary platform and intends to acquire it post-production. The KAAN’s twin-engine design, capacity to carry up to 10 tons of munitions, and significantly greater payload compared to the F-35 are seen as key advantages.

The report also states that KAAN has emerged as a competitive option in the global arms market for countries barred from purchasing American or Russian military systems.

KAAN is described as a technological marvel intended to compete with the world’s most advanced combat aircraft and is comparable in size to the American F-22 Raptor.

Türkiye’s KAAN program represents a significant shift in the dynamics of global aviation, challenging the dominance of traditional powers like the US and Russia. Interest from Kazakhstan, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and Indonesia underscores the aircraft’s potential to disrupt the fifth-generation fighter jet market by offering a blend of cutting-edge technology, affordability, and strategic flexibility.

KAAN has the potential to redefine Türkiye’s role as a defence exporter and alter alliances and the balance of power across regions from Central Asia to the Middle East.

By Tamilla Hasanova