Indonesia Signs Strategic Partnership for KAAN Fifth-Generation Fighter Jets
The Indonesian Ministry of Defense (KEMHAN RI) has formalized a strategic agreement with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) for the procurement of up to 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets.
This historic agreement not only covers the acquisition of low-observable, multi-role fighter aircraft for the Indonesian Air Force (TNI AU), but also provides a complete ecosystem encompassing training, technical support, and long-term maintenance in-house.
The KAAN fighter jet is designed as a high-performance, all-weather, twin-engine air superiority aircraft. With high maneuverability, an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar, and an internal weapons bay to maintain a stealth profile, the KAAN is part of a sophisticated fifth-generation fighter aircraft capable of handling modern air scenarios.
The 48 KAANs will be produced in a special "Indonesian Variant" configuration with Turkish-made engines.
Indonesia will also build and operate a local flight simulator to support training and system integration.
This package includes comprehensive training for pilots, technicians, and ground crew, as well as long-term after-sales service, technical engineering support, and integrated logistics.
Two national defense industry entities, PT Republik Aero Dirgantara (PT RAD) and PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), have been appointed as the main partners in the domestic implementation of this program.
PT RAD: National Infrastructure, Investment, & Training As a subsidiary of Republikorp, PT RAD will be responsible for:
- Construction of a primary MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility for KAAN fighter jets in Indonesia.
- Operation of a training center and simulator to support the readiness of Indonesian Air Force personnel.
- Increasing independent and sustainable domestic support capacity.
“As the appointed PT, we are ready to be the main bridge for KAAN technology transfer to Indonesia. This is a strategic momentum to bring manufacturing capabilities and increase independent domestic support capacity,” said Norman Joesoef, Chairman of Republikorp.
PTDI, as a national strategic State-Owned Enterprise (BUMN), plays a crucial role in:
- Final assembly of some KAAN units at PTDI facilities.
- Engineering collaboration and technology sharing with TUSAŞ.
- Technical readiness and industrial maintenance, to strengthen national logistics support.
With the technological leadership of TUSAŞ as OEM and design authority, and investment and industrial contributions from PT RAD and PTDI, Indonesia is moving forward as a nation capable of independently developing and maintaining advanced air defense systems.
This collaborative structure reflects a major transformation in Indonesia's defense industry—from a purchasing nation to a developer and owner of future strategic air defense capabilities.
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