ANJ, 11 April - For years, Saudi Arabia has sought to bolster its air force with cutting-edge fighter jets, with the Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II being eyed as a cornerstone of its military modernization. The kingdom, a long-standing U.S. ally, formally expressed interest in acquiring the fifth-generation stealth aircraft in 2017, driven by escalating regional tensions and the need to counter threats from both state and non-state actors in the Persian Gulf. However, despite its deep financial resources and strategic importance, Saudi Arabia has faced insurmountable barriers in securing the F-35. The United States, wary of upsetting the regional balance and prioritizing Israel’s qualitative military edge, has repeatedly stalled on approving the sale. Concerns over Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, particularly its role in Yemen’s civil war, and its growing military ties with China have further complicated negotiations. Frustrated by these obstacles, Riyadh has turned to an unexpected alternative: Turkey’s KAAN stealth fighter, a bold move signaling a significant shift in its defense strategy.
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The KAAN, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries with technical assistance from BAE Systems, represents Turkey’s ambition to join the elite club of nations capable of producing fifth-generation fighter jets. Designed as a twin-engine, multirole aircraft, the KAAN boasts advanced stealth features, including radar-absorbing materials and internal weapons bays to minimize its radar signature. It is equipped with cutting-edge avionics, an active electronically scanned array radar, and the ability to integrate with networked systems like drones, enhancing its battlefield versatility. Powered initially by General Electric F110 engines, with plans for a domestically developed powerplant, the KAAN can reach speeds of Mach 1.8 and operate at altitudes up to 55,000 feet. While originally intended to replace Turkey’s aging F-16 fleet, the jet has also become a symbol of Ankara’s push for defense autonomy, particularly after its own exclusion from the F-35 program in 2019 due to its purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems.
Saudi Arabia’s interest in the KAAN emerged prominently in late 2024, following high-level defense talks in Istanbul. Turkish officials, including representatives from the Presidency of Defense Industries, hosted Saudi counterparts, among them the commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force. Discussions centered on the potential acquisition of up to 100 KAAN jets, with deliveries projected for the 2030s. Beyond mere procurement, the talks explored joint production and technology transfer, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goal of building a domestic defense industry. This partnership offers Riyadh a chance to diversify its arms suppliers, reducing reliance on Western powers while strengthening ties with Turkey, a regional heavyweight with shared strategic interests. The pivot to the KAAN is not without risks. The jet remains in development, with its first flight completed in February 2024 and serial production not expected until 2028. Unlike the battle-tested F-35, which has proven its mettle in operations like Israel’s strikes on regional targets, the KAAN is untested in combat. Its designation as a fifth-generation fighter has also sparked debate, with some analysts suggesting it may fall short of the F-35’s stealth and sensor fusion capabilities, potentially classifying it as a “4.75-generation” aircraft. Nevertheless, for Saudi Arabia, the KAAN represents more than a stopgap. It’s a strategic statement—a defiance of U.S. restrictions and a bet on Turkey’s rising defense industry.
This shift carries broader implications. By aligning with Turkey, Saudi Arabia could reshape regional alliances, deepening cooperation with a NATO member that has its own fraught relationship with Washington. The deal, if finalized, would provide Turkey with critical funding to scale up KAAN production, potentially lowering costs and attracting other buyers like the United Arab Emirates or Pakistan. For Riyadh, it’s a pragmatic move to secure advanced technology while navigating a complex geopolitical landscape. Yet, the kingdom hasn’t entirely abandoned its F-35 aspirations, keeping options open as it balances immediate needs with long-term ambitions, including interest in sixth-generation fighters like the UK-Japan-Italy Global Combat Air Program. At its core, Saudi Arabia’s turn to the KAAN underscores a broader trend: nations seeking self-reliance and flexibility in a world where traditional alliances are no longer guaranteed. As the kingdom charts this new course, it signals a willingness to redefine its role on the global stage, trading dependence on one partner for a more diversified, assertive posture. Whether the KAAN can deliver on its promise remains to be seen, but for now, it embodies Saudi Arabia’s determination to secure its skies on its own terms.