Saudi Arabia to Acquire Türkiye's 5th-Generation KAAN Fighter Jet ?.

On October 15, 2024, the Twitter account @TurkishFacts4U reported that Saudi Arabia is interested in acquiring over 100 KAAN fighter jets, a 5th-generation aircraft developed by Türkiye under its TFX program. This potential acquisition was discussed during a visit to Türkiye by Saudi Air Force Commander Turki bin Bandar Al Saud, who, along with a delegation, met with officials from Roketsan, Turkish Aerospace Industries, and Aselsan. The visit provided Saudi officials with detailed information about the KAAN’s capabilities and initiated discussions on a potential strategic collaboration regarding this 5th-generation fighter.
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Saudi Air Force Commander Turki bin Bandar Al Saud visits Turkish Aerospace Industries (Picture source: Turkish MoD)

Saudi Arabia interest in the KAAN aligns with its goal of establishing a strong defense partnership, amid growing Turkish-Saudi ties. During this visit, Saudi officials received detailed information on the development and capabilities of the KAAN, which represents a significant advancement for the Turkish defense industry. The potential collaboration could include technology transfers and support for local production, in line with Saudi Arabia's ambitions to increase its industrial autonomy in the defense sector.

Türkiye and Saudi Arabia have recently strengthened their defense ties, marking a significant shift in their bilateral relations. This development was highlighted by a strategic summit in Jeddah in July 2024, where officials from both nations agreed to pursue high-value defense projects collaboratively. The two countries are exploring extensive technology transfer opportunities and joint production efforts, including the potential assembly of Türkiye's KAAN 5th-generation fighter jet in Saudi Arabia. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which aims to build a self-sustained defense industry through partnerships with established defense manufacturers.

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has played a key role in fostering these ties, signing multiple agreements with prominent Turkish defense companies such as Baykar, Aselsan, and TUSAŞ (Turkish Aerospace Industries). These agreements cover various domains, from unmanned aerial vehicles to defense electronics, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing defense capabilities. This deepening cooperation signals a notable alignment between the two nations as they focus on mutually beneficial defense innovations and technology transfers, positioning both Turkey and Saudi Arabia as influential players in the Middle Eastern defense landscape.

The KAAN project, launched in 2016 with an investment of $1.18 billion to secure the necessary technologies, benefits from collaboration with international firms such as BAE Systems from the United Kingdom and Rolls-Royce for engine design and development. Choosing the EJ200 engine, which enables supercruise, KAAN is designed to offer advanced operational capabilities, including the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners. With dimensions of 14 meters in wingspan, 21 meters in length, and 6 meters in height, KAAN can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and a service ceiling of 55,000 feet. The aircraft is also designed to be interoperable with other critical assets of the Turkish Air Force, such as the F-35A, enhancing its operational effectiveness in joint missions.

The KAAN is designed to reach speeds over Mach 1.8, with a combat range estimated at around 1,100 kilometers and a maximum operational altitude of approximately 55,000 feet. Its payload capacity exceeds 6,000 kilograms, allowing it to carry a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions across its 10+ external hardpoints. The AESA radar system offers a detection range of over 100 kilometers, significantly enhancing its situational awareness and targeting accuracy. The aircraft measures around 19 meters in length with a wingspan of 12 meters, and it is powered by twin engines, each producing around 27,000 pounds of thrust, enabling supercruise capability and high agility in combat scenarios.

The KAAN program aims to modernize the Turkish aerial fleet and bolster the national defense industry by developing local engineering and production capabilities. The project ensures that Turkey retains intellectual property rights over key technologies, particularly for the engine, a crucial aspect for the country's strategic autonomy. The involvement of international partners and a focus on local production reflect this ambition.

In recent years, Turkey has emerged as a significant player in the armament industry, significantly enhancing its weapon production capabilities in both the public and private sectors. Companies such as Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), ASELSAN, and Roketsan have become well-known names in the production of advanced military equipment, thanks to substantial investments in research and development. A notable example of their success is the Bayraktar TB2 drone, which played a pivotal role in the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, demonstrating Turkey's strike and surveillance capabilities and sparking international interest.

Türkiye has successfully exported military equipment to several countries. Ukraine, Qatar, and Azerbaijan, among others, have purchased Turkish drones, while nations in Africa and Asia have also imported various Turkish military equipment, ranging from armored vehicles to air defense systems. This expansion of exports is strategically beneficial for Türkiye, not only in terms of revenue but also in defense diplomacy.

Simultaneously, Türkiye has heavily invested in developing local production to reduce its dependence on foreign suppliers. This move towards self-reliance is exemplified by ambitious projects such as the development of its fifth-generation fighter, KAAN, aimed at replacing aging F-16 fleets and circumventing challenges related to foreign technology procurement. These efforts underscore Turkey's commitment to strengthening its strategic autonomy and asserting its status as a regional and global military power.

For several years, Saudi Arabia has been actively working to modernize its combat aircraft fleet to enhance its military capabilities amid an increasingly tense regional context. Historically, the kingdom has relied on advanced American fighters, notably the F-15, and has maintained strategic relations with the United States to meet its military supply needs. The Royal Saudi Air Force currently operates a structured and diversified fleet. It includes four fighter squadrons equipped with the F-15C/D Eagle, known for its air superiority capabilities. Additionally, Saudi Arabia fields three fighter/ground attack squadrons equipped with F-15S/SA Eagles and three squadrons with Typhoon jets, providing robust multi-role capability. For dedicated ground attack operations, the air force deploys three squadrons with Tornado IDS and Tornado GR1 aircraft, further diversifying its tactical options in various combat scenarios.

Saudi Arabia is actively seeking to acquire 5th-generation fighter jets to modernize its air fleet and enhance its military strength amid a region marked by growing rivalries. However, these efforts face significant obstacles, largely due to the U.S. embargo on F-35 aircraft, which Riyadh has been keen to acquire. Unlike the United Arab Emirates, which secured an agreement for the F-35 after normalizing relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, Saudi Arabia has not been granted the same access due to U.S. concerns over human rights and regional stability. Washington maintains strategic control over the sale of its most advanced military technologies, and despite the strategic nature of U.S.-Saudi relations, key differences limit Riyadh's options for procuring 5th-generation fighters.

In response to these restrictions, Saudi Arabia is exploring alternatives with other international partners. Options under consideration include the French Rafale, Türkiye's KAAN 5th-generation fighter, and China’s J-31, a stealth fighter similar to the F-35. Riyadh is also seeking to negotiate technology transfer and local production clauses within these agreements to develop its own industrial and military capabilities. By diversifying its partnerships, Saudi Arabia aims to achieve greater military autonomy and gradually reduce its reliance on U.S. support. Although challenges remain, including political approvals and the sovereignty concerns of its partners, Saudi Arabia continues to pursue 5th-generation fighters while reinforcing its defense industry.