UAE Eyes Game-Changing Entry into Turkey’s KAAN Fighter Jet Program!
With the UAE having effectively abandoned its pursuit of the F-35, the KAAN could be the Gulf state's sole opportunity to acquire a fifth-generation fighter jet, as it is unlikely to purchase China's J-35A or Russia's Su-57 Felon.
(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – After Saudi Arabia’s bold move to express interest in Turkey’s fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has now stepped into the spotlight, signaling its intent to join the aircraft’s development program.
The KAAN fighter jet program is spearheaded by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
“During high-level discussions between both parties, UAE officials expressed their interest in KAAN and their intention to be involved in the fighter jet development program,” TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroglu told the media recently.
With the UAE having effectively abandoned its pursuit of the F-35, the KAAN could be the Gulf state’s sole opportunity to acquire a fifth-generation fighter jet, as it is unlikely to purchase China’s J-35A or Russia’s Su-57 Felon.
The Turkish government and TAI are actively seeking partners for the KAAN fighter jet program, which was launched in response to the United States’ decision to remove Turkey from the F-35 program.
Under the initial F-35 development agreement, Turkey was slated to procure 100 of the stealth fighters.
However, following Ankara’s acquisition of Russia’s S-400 air defense system, the Mediterranean nation was expelled from the program and barred from purchasing the F-35.
TAI is expected to begin delivering 20 KAAN Block 10 fighter jets to the Turkish Air Force by 2028.
By 2029, the company aims to produce two KAAN jets per month, generating approximately $2.4 billion in annual revenue.
Once full-scale production is underway, the Turkish Air Force is projected to acquire over 100 KAAN fighter jets, which will gradually replace more than 200 F-16s currently in service.
Late last year, reports emerged that Saudi Arabia was evaluating a potential procurement of around 100 KAAN fighter jets.
Discussions on the proposed acquisition were reportedly held during a visit by Royal Saudi Air Force Commander Prince Turki bin Bandar Al Saud to Turkey. –
– DEFENCE SECUIRTY ASIA
During his visit, Prince Turki engaged in talks with leading Turkish defense firms, including Roketsan, Aselsan, and KAAN manufacturer Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
“Prince Turki’s visit provided him and the Saudi delegation with the latest updates on KAAN’s capabilities and potential strategic cooperation between the two nations regarding the fifth-generation fighter,” according to international defense media reports.
The prospective collaboration is expected to involve technology transfer and domestic production of the KAAN fighter jet within Saudi Arabia.
The KAAN acquisition aligns with Saudi Arabia and Turkey’s broader efforts to strengthen defense ties between the two regional powers.
Last month, reports indicated that Turkey and Pakistan are set to intensify discussions on defense and technology cooperation, including the potential export of the KAAN fighter jet to Islamabad.
Two years ago, Pakistan also revealed that some of the subsystems for the KAAN fighter jet were being developed in the South Asian nation.
Additionally, Pakistani media reports have claimed that an assembly line for the KAAN jet is expected to be established in Pakistan to produce aircraft for the country’s air force.
Meanwhile, Malaysia was also offered a partnership in the KAAN development program.
In May 2024, Turkey formally extended an offer to Malaysia to acquire the KAAN fighter jet, positioning it as an opportunity for the Southeast Asian nation to enhance its aerial defense capabilities.
In a written interview with Malaysia’s national news agency, BERNAMA, during the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition, Turkish Defence Industry Agency (SSB) President Prof. Haluk Görgün stated that Malaysia could gain access to cutting-edge defense technologies and expertise by collaborating with Turkey.
He added that such a partnership would accelerate Malaysia’s defense capabilities and foster the growth of its domestic defense industry.
“We are open to working with Malaysia, a friendly and brotherly nation, on various development projects, including the KAAN fighter jet program.
We are also willing to share our experience with Malaysia regarding our next-generation basic trainer aircraft, the ‘HÜRKUŞ,’ and the lightweight fighter jet ‘HÜRJET’,” Görgün stated.
“At the same time, Turkey can benefit from Malaysia’s contributions in areas such as research and development, manufacturing capabilities, and regional expertise,” he added, emphasizing the potential positive impact of the collaboration on bilateral relations and regional security.
However, to date, there has been no official response from the Malaysian government.
— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA
