Right out of the gate, the KAAN is in a position to challenge long-established Western systems—notably those produced by France’s Dassault aerospace giant.
Seeking to reassure investors and defense analysts the world over, the head of the firm that makes the fifth-generation Turkish KAAN warplane has announced that Indonesia is pushing ahead with its recent purchase of 48 of the fighter jets.
According to the CEO of Turkish Aerospace, the firm that builds the KAAN, this was a real order. It further represents a significant shift on the part of Indonesia, a key southeast Asian nation, away from Western defense firms—notably the French-owned Dassault—and toward Turkish firms such as Turkish Aerospace.
Today, only one KAAN prototype has been completed. In the near future, six more will be built, with a first flight scheduled for January of next year. The partnership will involve aerospace technology transfer and local cooperation on production.
It is interesting to note that the Turkish jet sale to Indonesia takes on an entirely new meaning in the aftermath of the fallout between Indonesia and France over the former’s skepticism that the latter’s Rafale fighter jets were worth the cost Jakarta was charged. The dispute over the Rafale stems from its poor showing in the first two days of the brief India-Pakistan conflict in May of this year. Since that time, Indonesia’s government has stated it seeks to conduct an audit of the purchase from France.
In this context, the Indonesian purchase of the KAAN from Turkey becomes even more important—especially because the KAAN is likely to be more advanced than the Dassault Rafale is upon completion.
The History of Turkey’s KAAN Fighter
TAI KAAN, also known in Turkey as the “National Combat Aircraft,” is Turkey’s flagship fifth-generation stealth warplane jet developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), with technical support from BAE Systems.
Designed to replace the Turkish Air Force’s aging F-16 Fighting Falcon fleet and reduce reliance on foreign military technology, the KAAN represents a significant leap in Turkey’s aerospace ambitions. Now that Turkey is exporting the bird, it will ensure that its domestic defense industry can truly compete with other defense firms like Dassault.
The KAAN is a twin-engine, all-weather, multirole stealth fighter optimized for air superiority, precision strikes, and electronic warfare. The KAAN utilizes two General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engines, reflecting a temporary dependency on US technology until Turkey can produce similar engines. Indeed, Ankara is developing an indigenous jet engine through TR Motor, with a target integration in the early 2030s to achieve full stealth and autonomy. In addition, a joint venture with Rolls-Royce and Turkey’s Kale Group (TAEC) is under discussion, though intellectual property issues still persist.
The KAAN’s Technology Is Comparable to Western Warplanes
The KAAN’s design incorporates a low radar cross-section through advanced radar-absorbing materials—reportedly up to ten times more effective than the F-35’s stealth coating in some scenarios, though this is unconfirmed. Like the F-35, it has an angular airframe design and internal weapons bays to minimize radar signature. The KAAN can also sustain supersonic flight without afterburners, enhancing fuel efficiency and stealth during high-speed missions.
These birds are equipped with the Turkish MURAD AESA radar system. KAAN fighters are further expected to enjoy artificial intelligence-supported avionics, sensor fusion, and a helmet-mounted display for enhanced situational awareness.
Internal bays carry Turkish-made munitions, like the Gökdoğan long-range air-to-air missile, the Bozdoğan air-to-air missile, and potentially the SOM-J cruise missile for ground attacks. The KAAN has a payload capacity comparable to the F-35, carrying up to 20,000 pounds total, albeit with an internal capacity of only around 1,000 pounds.
What’s more, this bird is designed to control advanced unmanned aerial vehicles like the ANKA III and ŞİMŞEK, enhancing its operational versatility.
The KAAN is a truly impressive bird. Right out of the gate, it is in a position to challenge long-established Western systems—notably those produced by Dassault, which have traditionally been far more expensive. Turkey is the real stalking horse to be watching in the Middle East today.
About the Author: Brandon J. Weichert
Brandon J. Weichert, a Senior National Security Editor at The National Interest as well as a contributor at Popular Mechanics, who consults regularly with various government institutions and private organizations on geopolitical issues. Weichert’s writings have appeared in multiple publications, including the Washington Times, National Review, The American Spectator, MSN, the Asia Times, and countless others. His books include Winning Space: How America Remains a Superpower, Biohacked: China’s Race to Control Life, and The Shadow War: Iran’s Quest for Supremacy. His newest book, A Disaster of Our Own Making: How the West Lost Ukraine is available for purchase wherever books are sold. He can be followed via Twitter @WeTheBrandon.
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