Partnership offer from the Middle East for the national combat aircraft KAAN: They will prefer it over the F-35

Compiled by: Suat TEKİN - 12punto.com.tr

Following Saudi Arabia's interest in purchasing 100 KAAN fighter jets, the UAE has officially expressed its interest in the aircraft. TAI CEO Mehmet Demiroğlu stated that UAE officials conveyed their desire to join the project during high-level meetings, noting that the UAE has shown "great interest in KAAN and wants to cooperate."

Demiroğlu provided information about KAAN to members of the press at the IDEX 2025 defense exhibition held in Abu Dhabi. The UAE's interest in KAAN comes after it announced in September 2024 that it had suspended plans to purchase F-35 Lightning 2 fighter jets. Due to bottlenecks in the F-35 project, the UAE signed an agreement with French manufacturer Dassault to purchase 80 Rafale F4 fighter jets.

According to a report by the Eurasian Times, Pakistan has also been among the countries showing interest in the KAAN program. During the Paki-Turk Industrial Fair Joint Working Group meeting held last month, the two countries discussed the KAAN project within the scope of defense and industrial cooperation.

Pakistani media suggested that Turkey and Pakistan plan to produce the KAAN by establishing a joint factory. However, no official statement has been made on this matter yet.

SAUDI ARABIA IS ALSO AMONG THE BUYERS

Interest in KAAN has not been limited to the UAE and Pakistan. In 2024, it was announced that Saudi Arabia was considering purchasing at least 100 KAAN fighter jets. In December 2024, representatives from the two countries met to discuss various defense projects, including KAAN. Demiroğlu emphasized that Saudi Arabia could be actively involved in the project and that they expect the participation of other countries as well.

In addition to KAAN, the UAE has also shown interest in other Turkish military technologies, such as the Anka-3 unmanned aerial vehicle and the ATAK helicopter. Demiroğlu also confirmed that they have signed a cooperation agreement with the UAE-based defense firm Calidus regarding the Hurkus training aircraft.

Drawing attention to the growing influence of the Turkish defense industry in the Middle East, the Eurasian Times included the following statements in its report:

"The dominance of the US and Russia in fighter jet exports in the Middle East is being shaken by Turkey's indigenous projects like KAAN. Regional countries have begun searching for alternatives due to restrictions and delivery delays regarding American and Russian aircraft. Turkey is emerging as a reliable third option in this process."

FEATURES OF THE KAAN FIGHTER JET

Turkey's national combat aircraft, KAAN, has been highlighted in the world press as a significant milestone in the country's defense industry. The fifth-generation fighter jet, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), was rolled out of the hangar in 2023 and performed its first flight in 2024. KAAN has drawn attention with its radar invisibility, supersonic speed capability, and advanced avionics systems.

When compared to the US-made F-35, KAAN's twin-engine design offers more thrust. Conversely, the F-35 has the advantage of a lower radar cross-section due to its single-engine design. While the F-35 offers operational flexibility with its vertical take-off and landing versions, KAAN was developed more for air superiority and multi-role missions.

In terms of weapons carrying capacity, KAAN is expected to carry a heavy payload with its large internal weapons bay. According to military experts, KAAN, which has not yet reached the mass production stage, will significantly increase Turkey's air power once it becomes fully operational.

News Source: 12punto