Türkiye in Talks with Saudi Arabia for US$6 Billion Defense Deal. KAAN to Get First Foreign Customer ??
Recently, Defence Security Asia reported that Saudi Arabia is considering a proposal to acquire approximately 100 units of the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet, which is currently under development in Türkiye.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Türkiye is reportedly in negotiations with Saudi Arabia to finalize a US$6 billion (RM26.3 billion) defense agreement, potentially involving the sale of tanks, warships, and missiles.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, who spoke to Turkiye Today, the defense deal also includes collaboration on Türkiye’s domestically developed fighter jet program.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to visit Saudi Arabia in March to finalize the agreement, according to international media reports.
The deal is viewed as a strategic move by Türkiye to expand its defense industry and strengthen ties with one of the world’s largest arms importers.
Saudi Arabia has also expressed interest in joining the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet program, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
Additionally, Türkiye is reportedly keen to sell its Altay main battle tank and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia.
The KAAN fighter jet when undergoing afterburner testing.The proposal for the procurement of the KAAN fighter jets was discussed during the recent visit of the Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force, Prince Turki bin Bandar Al Saud, to Turkey.
Officials emphasized that these systems would enhance Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities while supporting Türkiye’s growing defense exports.
Recently, Defence Security Asia reported that Saudi Arabia is considering a proposal to acquire approximately 100 units of the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet, which is currently under development in Türkiye.
Discussions on the potential acquisition were reportedly held during a recent visit by Saudi Royal Air Force Commander Prince Turki bin Bandar Al Saud to Türkiye.
During his visit, Prince Turki met with key Turkish defense companies, including Roketsan, Aselsan, and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the manufacturer of the KAAN fighter jet.
“Prince Turki’s visit to Türkiye provided him and the Saudi delegation with the latest updates on the KAAN fighter jet’s capabilities and potential strategic cooperation between the two nations regarding the fifth-generation aircraft,” according to international defense media reports.
The proposed collaboration could involve technology transfer and local production of the fighter jet in Saudi Arabia.
“Altay”
The potential KAAN fighter jet acquisition aligns with both Saudi Arabia’s and Türkiye’s ambitions to deepen their defense cooperation as two key regional powers.
The Turkish Air Force is expected to begin operating the KAAN fighter jet in 2028, with an initial delivery of 20 aircraft from TAI (TUSAS).
By 2029, TAI is projected to produce two KAAN fighter jets per month, generating approximately $2.4 billion (RM9.6 billion) in annual revenue.
The Turkish Air Force is expected to procure more than 100 KAAN fighter jets once full-scale mass production begins, according to newly appointed TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu.
The KAAN fighter jet successfully completed its maiden flight on February 21 last year, marking Türkiye’s entry into an elite group of nations capable of independently developing fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
In recent years, defense ties between Ankara and Riyadh have strengthened significantly.
Turkiye’s “Tayfun”
On July 18 last year, Saudi Arabia announced a $3 billion (RM13.5 billion) deal to procure the Akinci MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) from Turkish defense firm Baykar Technology.
The Akinci MALE drone acquisition marks the largest defense contract in Türkiye’s history.
On August 6 last year, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced that 70 percent of the components for the Akinci drones ordered by Saudi Arabia would be manufactured domestically, as part of the kingdom’s initiative to bolster its defense industry.
In addition to SAMI’s agreement with Baykar Technology, another Saudi company, National Company for Mechanical Systems (NCMS), signed agreements with Turkish defense firms Aselsan and Roketsan.
NCMS’s deal with Aselsan focuses on producing electro-optical surveillance and targeting systems, guidance kits, and smart bombs for the Akinci drone.
“Akinci”
Meanwhile, its partnership with Roketsan covers the development of advanced weapons systems for the UCAV, as well as other defense capabilities.
According to an official statement from Aselsan, the collaboration will involve the production of electro-optical surveillance systems, targeting systems, guidance kits, and smart munitions used in Baykar’s drone systems.