TR Air-Force TF-X KAAN Fighter Jet

[Sanchez]

Few years ago, I read that unit cost of F-35 was less than $ 80 mio. Thats affordable.

Flyaway cost is only like 1/5 of an aircraft's actual cost.

There are multiple metrics to figure this out and project some numbers, these metrics include even the fuel burned and the inflation in to the mix to come up with a lifecycle cost.

Canadian budget office came to 74 billion CAD for 88 aircraft over 45 years. so that's 608 million USD per aircraft during its entire 45 year lifespan.

US GAO came to 2.1 trillion USD for the entire 94 year projected lifecycle of the program for 2454 aircraft. About half of that 2.1 trillion is projected inflation for the next 90 years. If we take a per unit basis, it's 815 million USD per aircraft over the entirety of the program.

F-35 has the fortune to be the most produced aircraft of this century and it will most likely keep that record with 1200 aircraft built so far. So per how mathematics works, it will always be the cheapest to procure but its related operating costs mostly remain high. Because of added complexity in every kind of operating procedures, security needs, fuel costs etc.

We don't know how much Kaan will cost, only start of a number we have is the 10 billion USD figure for Indonesia for 48 aircraft. This most probably doesn't include any weapons but does include at least some part of lifecycle costs for training, maintenance etc. That would mean a single Kaan for Indonesia will at least cost 208 million USD; and that is probably just a starting number, it's only what TAI and SSB will sell to Indonesia, not what Indonesia will actually pay for over the type's lifecycle.

 

[Spitfire9]

I read this a few days ago and Switzerland is actually considering cutting their F35 program short because of increased prices.

I thought it was the operational cost that was the killer. However. if Switzerland decides it no longer wants to buy F-35 and increased prices give it an opportunity to halt its F-35 programme, let it exercise its choice.

 

[uçuyorum]

Afaik F35 80 mil figure is not adjusted to inflation so misleading. But also still comes eith 35000$ + per hour to fly. That's 7 mil for 200 hours per year or 70 mil for 10 years.

 

[I_Love_F16]

Few years ago, I read that unit cost of F-35 was less than $ 80 mio. Thats affordable.

Which version of the F-35 ? Also more than a thousand were already built, bringing the price down.

 

[Huelague]

Which version of the F-35 ? Also more than a thousand were already built, bringing the price down.

I don’t remember, just it was a Scandinavian country.

 

[Umigami]

Indonesian Republikorp involvement in Kaan program.

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.

REPUBLIKORP

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