Indonesia’s KAAN Deal Hinges on an ITAR-Free Jet
Jakarta: No ITAR Exposure
Indonesia says it will buy KAAN only if the jet is free of U.S.-controlled components under ITAR. In other words, the KAAN fighter jet from Indonesia being ITAR-free is not a slogan—it is the purchase condition. From the Indonesian government, US components are a big no from their side.
ITAR Changes for Operators
Even when building a platform outside the United States, ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) can apply. Washington can still influence export, re-export, modification, and upgrade pathways if a subsystem, software, or technical data originates from the United States and is under its control.
Indonesia’s Focus: Sustainment, Upgrades, Transfer
Jakarta wants predictable access to maintenance, spares, and future retrofit options. However, export-control hooks can slow integration work, complicate MRO planning, and limit technology transfer. Indonesia is working to eliminate the risk of requiring permission before entering into a more comprehensive agreement.
2025 Framework Deal: ~$15bn, Industry Scope
Reporting says Turkey and Indonesia signed a framework agreement in 2025 worth about $15 billion, aimed at a broad industrial package. That concept includes procurement, local industrial participation, and technology transfer ambitions.
Demiroğlu’s 3-Stage Roadmap: 2026 Gate
TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu has described the KAAN sale process as three phases. The first phase is already formalized via the framework agreement, while the second and third phases are planned for 2026. If those signatures land on schedule, the program can scale industrially and operationally.
The Hurdle: A Truly “Clean” Configuration
An ITAR-free fighter is harder than it sounds because modern jets depend on global supply chains. Even one controlled line-replaceable unit can trigger approvals later. Consequently, Indonesia appears willing to wait for an acceptable configuration rather than accept partial constraints.
Engine Sovereignty Sets the Pace
Indonesia is watching the KAAN timeline and Turkey’s progress on a domestic engine. Propulsion choices often determine long-term support dependencies, so an indigenous, exportable engine path could decide how quickly an ITAR-free offer becomes credible.
References
- https://defensemirror.com/news/40950/Indonesia_to_Buy_Turkish_KAAN_Fighter_if_it_is_Free_of_U_S__Components
- https://aerospaceglobalnews.com/news/indonesia-kaan-fighter-jet-deal-us-free-components/
- https://www.defensenews.com/global/mideast-africa/2025/07/28/turkey-indonesia-sign-multibillion-dollar-warplane-frigate-deals/
- https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/ddtc_public?id=ddtc_public_portal_itar_landing
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