Indonesia and Turkey have signed a multibillion-dollar deal for the purchase of 48 KAAN fighter aircraft and two İstif-class frigates, a key achievement for Turkey’s defense exports. The historic deal is a milestone boost for Turkey’s defense sector in Southeast Asia while also noting Indonesia’s strategic reorientation to strengthen its military capabilities.
48 KAAN Fighter Aircraft Anchoring Aerospace Partnership
On July 26, 2026, Turkish and Indonesian defense officials signed a commercial agreement outlining the terms of the technology and timeline of the procurement of 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
This move is a follow-up to a government-to-government (G2G) framework agreement initiated on June 11, 2025, which testifies to deep strategic cooperation between the two countries.
The Indonesia agreement for the KAAN fighter jet entails collaborative engineering, manufacture, and transfer of technology—major elements of Indonesia’s pursuit of defense and industrial self-reliance. Importantly, the agreement entails the creation of a local aerospace environment within Indonesia, which will be a viable platform for cooperative ventures as well as upkeep services.
All 48 KAAN aircraft will be acquired on a phased ten-year timeline. Turkish Aerospace will work closely with Indonesian industry partners, including PT Dirgantara Indonesia and PT Republik Aero Dirgantara, to assist in assembly, training, and support services.
KAAN Jet Programme Gains Momentum
The KAAN fighter, Turkey’s lead fifth-generation aircraft, flew successfully for the first time on 21 February 2024. Serial production is scheduled to begin by 2028, with the Turkish Air Force expecting its first delivery in 2029. Indonesia’s role as an early export customer strengthens the program’s credibility and funds its later development stages.
This defense cooperation reflects stronger strategic alignment between Turkey and Indonesia. The KAAN fighter deal is Turkey’s largest aerospace export project to date. It supports Indonesia’s ambition to modernize its air force with advanced capabilities.
At the IDEF 2025 defense exhibition, both nations signed an agreement for two MİLGEM-class İstif-type frigates. This marks Turkey’s first export of İstif-class warships and the third major naval sale to Indonesia. The İstif-class frigate, commissioned with TCG İstanbul in January 2024, features Turkish-designed sensors and combat systems. The Turkish Navy is acquiring more of the class, while Indonesia gains access to the same advanced naval technology.
Taking Advantage of Past Maritime Ventures
The sale of KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia is a direct result of previous maritime cooperation. The first project involves the production of two 70-meter missile-equipped fast attack craft (FAC) at Turkey’s Sefine Shipyard.
Steel cutting took place in October 2024, and the ships will be fitted with Havelsan’s next-generation combat management system. In yet another major program, Turkey is providing Indonesia’s Merah Putih-class frigates with electronic and weapons integration.
Turkish engineers are fitting the ships, based on the Babcock Arrowhead 140 design, with Aselsan radar and sonar systems, Roketsan’s Atmaca anti-ship missiles, and Havelsan’s ADVENT Combat Management System.
This multi-dimensional naval partnership considerably enhances Turkey’s growing role as a maritime defense partner in Southeast Asia, helping Indonesia to achieve its vision of having an increasingly independent and modern navy.
Conclusion
Turkey’s export of KAAN fighters and frigates highlights its growing role as a key defense exporter. These deals involve advanced technology transfers, joint production, and long-term industrial cooperation with Indonesia.
Such agreements align with Indonesia’s goal of strengthening its defense manufacturing capabilities. As Turkey builds its regional influence, this cooperation could lead to broader security partnerships. Future agreements may include joint aerospace and naval technology projects.
References
- Turkish Defence Industry Agency
- Turkish Aerospace
- IDEF 2025 Exhibition
- Indonesian Ministry of Defence
- Defence News Today
- Pakistan Defence Forum
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