On the 11th, Indonesia signed a deal to procure 48 Turkish 'KAAN' stealth fighters, totaling $10 billion (approximately NT$ 296.73 billion), aimed at enhancing its modern air defense capabilities. This military sale not only marks a new page in bilateral cooperation but also sets a record for Turkey's largest arms export.

During the Indo Defence 2025 event held in Jakarta, the Turkish aerospace company (TUSAS) signed an export contract with the Indonesian Ministry of Defense in the presence of President Prabowo. The aircraft are scheduled for delivery in phases over the next ten years.

All of these fighters will be produced in Turkey, with opportunities for Indonesian defense industries to participate in the supply chain, further enhancing defense industry cooperation between the two nations. This deal not only breaks Turkey's record for foreign military sales but also represents Turkey's first major export of domestically produced manned aircraft, potentially positioning it as a contender in the global fighter market.

Indonesia has been considering various options for procuring a new generation of fighter jets, including those from the U.S., Europe, and China; however, due to a previous withdrawal from a joint KF-21 project with South Korea, it has been difficult for outsiders to gauge its intentions. With the emergence of 'KAAN', a new option has been added to the global fighter market, injecting vital energy into Turkey's defense industry.

The 'KAAN' features a stealth design that meets fifth-generation fighter performance criteria, capable of air superiority and ground strike operations. Its avionics and radar systems utilize modular designs, allowing for upgrades based on demand, while continuously integrating future technologies like drones and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance combat capabilities. The 'KAAN' is expected to complete its maiden flight in early 2024, and the Turkish Air Force anticipates accepting the aircraft starting in 2028; there are also plans to switch to domestically produced engines to further strengthen national defense autonomy.