Turkiye to export 48 fighter jets to Indonesia, announces Erdogan

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday announced that Turkiye has finalised an agreement to export 48 domestically manufactured fighter jets to Indonesia.

In a post on X, Erdogan shared that “as part of the agreement signed with our friendly and brotherly country, Indonesia, 48 Kaan (fighter jets) will be produced in Turkiye and exported to Indonesia.”

The deal, reportedly worth $10 billion, will span a decade and cover the production and delivery of the fifth-generation Kaan jets, Turkish media outlets reported. The agreement also includes a provision for technology transfer to Indonesia, according to public broadcaster TRT Haber.

“Indonesia’s local capabilities will also be utilised in the production of Kaan” jets, the president added in his post, without elaborating on the specifics of Jakarta’s involvement.

The Kaan fighter jet, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), completed its maiden flight in February 2024. Initially powered by the same engines used in F-16 aircraft, the Kaan is expected to be fitted with an indigenously developed engine in future production phases.

Turkiye’s defence sector has seen rapid growth in recent years, with platforms such as the Bayraktar drones contributing significantly to export performance. In 2024, defence exports reached $7.1 billion, reflecting a $1.6 billion increase from the previous year.