Saudi Arabia eyes up to 100 Turkish Kaan fighter jets as US-made F-35 remains inaccessible.

According to Ekotrent on December 26, 2024, Saudi Arabia has begun negotiations with Türkiye to acquire 100 Kaan fifth-generation fighter jets. The talks were held during a three-day meeting in Istanbul, where Türkiye's Defense Industry President Haluk Görgün hosted Saudi Arabia's Deputy Defense Minister Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari and Air Force Commander Turki bin Bandar Al Saud. Discussions centered on the potential procurement of the aircraft, joint production opportunities, and technology transfer agreements, with deliveries anticipated in the 2030s.
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Earlier reports have indicated Saudi Arabia’s interest in acquiring over 100 units of the aircraft, further reinforcing its intent to diversify defense procurement sources, given that Saudi Arabia appears unable to buy the F-35, despite repeated requests since 2012.  (Picture source: TAI)

During a visit to Türkiye in October 2024, Saudi Air Force Commander Turki bin Bandar Al Saud, accompanied by officials from Saudi Arabia, met with representatives from TAI, Aselsan, and Roketsan. These meetings provided Saudi officials with in-depth briefings on the Kaan’s capabilities and explored opportunities for strategic collaboration. Earlier reports have indicated Saudi Arabia’s interest in acquiring over 100 units of the aircraft, further reinforcing its intent to diversify defense procurement sources and reduce reliance on U.S. suppliers, given that Saudi Arabia appears unable to buy the F-35, despite repeated requests since 2012. This potential purchase follows Saudi Arabia’s $3.1 billion agreement with Türkiye in 2023 for the acquisition of 60 Baykar AKINCI unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), set for delivery in 2025 and 2026.

Ukraine has also shown interest in the Kaan. In February 2024, Ukrainian Ambassador to Türkiye Vasyl Bodnar confirmed Ukraine’s intention to acquire the aircraft and highlighted collaboration between Turkish and Ukrainian engineers in developing its engines. Ukraine considers the Kaan a potential addition to its air fleet, supporting its defense modernization efforts. This collaboration highlights broader defense ties between Türkiye and Ukraine, including technological and industrial partnerships.

The bilateral defense relationship between Saudi Arabia and Türkiye has strengthened significantly in recent years. Following a strategic summit in Jeddah in July 2024, the two countries announced plans for joint defense projects, including technology transfer agreements. Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) has played a central role in facilitating partnerships with Turkish firms such as Aselsan, Roketsan, and Baykar, focusing on unmanned systems, defense electronics, and advanced aerospace technologies. These agreements align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 strategy to develop a self-sufficient defense industry.

Saudi Arabia’s interest in the Kaan is part of a broader strategy to modernize its combat aircraft fleet amid challenges in acquiring U.S.-manufactured F-35 jets. Current U.S. restrictions, tied to concerns over regional stability and human rights, have led Saudi Arabia to explore alternatives. The Royal Saudi Air Force operates a fleet of F-15s, Typhoons, and Tornadoes but lacks a fifth-generation fighter. Other options under consideration include France’s Rafale and China’s J-31. The potential inclusion of technology transfer and local production agreements with Türkiye aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of enhancing domestic defense production capabilities.

The Turkish Air Force (TurAF) is also actively integrating advanced air warfare concepts into its training programs, focusing on platforms such as the Bayraktar Kızılelma, Anka-3, and the TAI TF Kaan. The Kızılelma, a jet-powered unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) developed by Baykar, conducted its maiden flight on December 14, 2022, and its production prototype flew on September 25, 2024. The Anka-3, another UCAV developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), completed its first flight on December 28, 2023. The TAI TF Kaan, a fifth-generation stealth fighter jet, achieved its maiden flight on February 21, 2024, with a second successful flight on May 6, 2024. These developments are part of TurAF's strategy to modernize its fleet and enhance operational capabilities. The early deployment of these systems is expected to provide valuable operational data, facilitating design refinements and ensuring alignment with evolving combat requirements.

The Kaan, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is a fifth-generation twin-engine stealth fighter designed for air superiority and multirole operations. (Picture source: TAI)

The Kaan program, initiated in 2016 with an investment of $1.18 billion, is designed to replace Türkiye's aging F-16 fleet. Developed with international collaboration from partners such as BAE Systems and Rolls-Royce, the program prioritizes local production and technology ownership. The aircraft incorporates advanced design features, including supercruise capability and reduced radar cross-section, alongside a suite of indigenous munitions such as the Gökdoğan and Bozdoğan air-to-air missiles. The program emphasizes network-enabled warfare capabilities and interoperability with UAVs and other air force assets.

The Kaan, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), is a fifth-generation twin-engine stealth fighter designed for air superiority and multirole operations. The aircraft measures 21 meters in length, 14 meters in wingspan, and 6 meters in height. It can achieve speeds of Mach 1.8, operate at altitudes up to 55,000 feet, and has a combat range of approximately 1,100 kilometers. It is equipped with advanced AESA radar capable of detecting targets over 100 kilometers away, internal weapon bays to reduce radar visibility, and a payload capacity of more than 6,000 kilograms. Initial models are powered by General Electric F110 engines, with plans to integrate domestically developed engines in later versions. The Kaan is designed to operate with other platforms in the Turkish Air Force, including the F-35A.

The potential sale of 100 Kaan fighter jets to Saudi Arabia represents a significant step in the regional defense landscape. For Saudi Arabia, it offers a pathway to modernizing its air force while fostering local production capabilities. For Türkiye, the deal underscores its role as a rising exporter of advanced defense technologies. If finalized, this agreement could enhance Saudi Arabia’s military capabilities and solidify Türkiye’s position as a significant player in the global defense market, especially for drones.

Türkiye’s position as a significant drone producer originates from historical events and strategic decisions aimed at reducing reliance on foreign defense systems. The U.S. arms embargo following Türkiye’s intervention in Cyprus in the 1970s exposed vulnerabilities in its defense capabilities, prompting a shift toward domestic production. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, challenges in acquiring advanced drones, including the U.S. refusal to supply armed Predator systems and difficulties with Israeli Heron drones requiring local modifications, reinforced the need for indigenous solutions. Turkish companies like Baykar and TUSAŞ subsequently focused on developing domestic platforms, creating a foundation for the current drone programs.

Türkiye’s contemporary drone strategy emphasizes the development of versatile systems for both domestic security operations and international deployment. Platforms such as the Bayraktar TB2 and Anka series have been used in conflicts including Syria, Libya, and Nagorno-Karabakh, demonstrating their operational utility. Additionally, Türkiye has pursued exports to over 25 countries, emphasizing cost-effective production, integration of advanced technologies like AI and stealth, and reduced dependency on foreign suppliers. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to enhance Türkiye’s defense capabilities, support geopolitical objectives, and expand its presence in the global defense market.