Saudi Arabia's KAAN move causes unease in Washington
Saudi Arabia's growing interest in Turkey's national combat aircraft, KAAN, has caused tension and diplomatic activity in the U.S. While U.S. officials are sending stern messages to the Riyadh administration, military cooperation between the two countries is being debated.
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Saudi Arabia's request for a partnership in the fifth-generation combat aircraft KAAN, developed by Turkey, has brought a new balance to the international defense market. The Riyadh administration's effort to diversify its defense technology has increased concerns in the U.S. about losing its market share.
The U.S. administration states that it views Saudi Arabia's rapprochement with Turkey during F-35 negotiations as a strategic bargaining chip. According to Washington sources, Riyadh's defense contacts with Turkey and Pakistan have the potential to weaken the U.S.'s position in the region. It is alleged that the Saudi administration suspended the purchase of JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan in line with U.S. suggestions, but did not take a similar step back regarding Turkey's KAAN project.
A U.S. official expressed the view that if an agreement were signed, KAAN would not be able to reach the level of the F-35, while criticizing Saudi Arabia for directing its defense budget toward projects outside the U.S. The U.S. official, who was not named in the report, stated the following:
“ The message given to the Saudis was: ‘What need of yours is not being met by the U.S. that you are going to Turkey for KAAN?’ This administration wants to be the sole supplier and prioritizes American exports.”
According to experts, Saudi Arabia already possesses a fleet of some of the world's most modern F-15 fighter jets and also has high-level options such as the Eurofighter Typhoon available. Some analysts believe that Riyadh's interest in KAAN is aimed more at strengthening political relations with Turkey than at a military necessity.
ERDOĞAN: 'SIGNATURES COULD BE SIGNED AT ANY MOMENT'
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan signaled during his visit to Saudi Arabia last February that a joint investment agreement for the KAAN project “could be signed at any moment.” Following this statement, a model of the KAAN was displayed with the Saudi flag at the World Defense Show held in Riyadh. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu also stated that the production of between 20 and 50 combat aircraft for Saudi Arabia could be possible.