Ankara: The year 2025 is proving to be a landmark for the Turkish aerospace sector, with a series of high-profile announcements and international agreements that underscore the country's growing prominence in global defense and aviation markets.
According to Anadolu Agency, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the Spanish Ministry of Defense, and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding on May 14 in Madrid for the export and joint manufacturing of selected subsystems of the Hrjet, Trkiye's advanced jet trainer and light attack aircraft. This agreement marks a significant step in Trkiye's aerospace endeavors.
On June 16, a joint venture named LBA Systems was announced at the Paris Airshow, involving Baykar and the Italian conglomerate Leonardo for the design, development, manufacturing, and technical support of unmanned aerial systems. This collaboration further strengthens Trkiye's position in the aerospace industry.
A few days earlier, on June 11, at the INDO Defence 2025 exhibition in Jakarta, Trkiye and the Indonesian Air Force finalized a groundbreaking export agreement for the sale of 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets, currently under development by Turkish Aerospace Industries. The deal, one of the most significant in Turkish aerospace history, was first announced by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in a post on X. The agreement outlines strategic cooperation aimed at fostering knowledge exchange and strengthening local aerospace capabilities in both countries.
The KAAN program, formerly known as TF-X, represents the pinnacle of Turkish aerospace engineering. It is a fifth-generation, multi-role combat aircraft featuring high maneuverability, low radar visibility, AI-powered avionics, and advanced network-centric warfare capabilities. The aircraft completed its maiden flight on February 21, 2024, followed by a second flight on May 6, 2024, and is expected to enter operational service by 2028. Deliveries to Indonesia are scheduled to begin in the early 2030s over a 10-year period. The deal with Indonesia, valued at $15 billion, is expected to accelerate production and foster integration of a new engine, the TF-35000 by TUSAS Engine Industries (TEI).
Indonesia's changing strategy, currently operating a mixed fleet of US-made F-16s and aging Russian Sukhoi jets, had initially partnered with South Korea on the KF-21 Boramae project but reduced its participation due to economic constraints and concerns around technology transfer. The KAAN deal further strengthens defense ties between Trkiye and Indonesia, with Baykar signing a joint venture agreement in February 2025 with Indonesian firm Republikorp to establish a drone manufacturing facility in the country.
Given the deepening economic and defense ties between Trkiye and Indonesia, the question arises whether other ASEAN countries might consider the KAAN for their defense needs. Initial ASEAN interest may remain focused on proven platforms, but the KAAN could offer a cost-effective alternative. Malaysia appears to be the most likely next customer, with TAI formally offering a partnership on the KAAN project. The Philippines and Vietnam might also express interest, while Singapore and Thailand remain cautious. For smaller nations like Myanmar, Cambodia, and Brunei, the cost may remain prohibitive.
Trkiye's aerospace industry has taken a decisive step onto the world stage in 2025. The KAAN's success in securing its first major export deal signals Trkiye's ambition to become a global player in advanced defense technologies. The next few years will reveal whether this ambition can translate into broader international adoption and a redefined balance in global fighter jet markets.