Jakarta, January 27 - Indonesia is reportedly conditioning its potential purchase of the Turkish KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet on the complete removal of U.S. components from the aircraft. This stance reflects Jakarta's strategic emphasis on defense autonomy and avoidance of foreign export restrictions, particularly those tied to U.S. ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) that could complicate procurement and long-term sustainment.
The KAAN, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), represents Turkey's ambitious push toward indigenous advanced combat aviation following its exclusion from the U.S. F-35 program. Currently powered by General Electric F110 engines, the same used in upgraded F-16 fighters, the aircraft is slated for transition to a domestically produced Turkish engine in the coming decade. Indonesia's requirement for a U.S.-free variant aligns with broader efforts to secure technology transfers, co-production opportunities, and unrestricted operational use, ensuring the jets integrate seamlessly into its diverse fleet without external veto risks.
This condition emerges amid Indonesia's multifaceted air force modernization program. Jakarta has committed to 42 Dassault Rafale jets from France, advanced talks for Boeing F-15EX aircraft from the United States, and participation in South Korea's KF-21 Boramae project, while exploring other options. By insisting on an ITAR-independent KAAN configuration, Indonesia aims to diversify suppliers, mitigate geopolitical dependencies, and bolster its domestic defense industry through localized assembly and maintenance capabilities. Such demands could delay finalization, as developing and certifying a fully indigenous powerplant and subsystems may extend timelines beyond 2035.
The prospective KAAN deal underscores a growing trend in global defense markets where nations prioritize sovereign control over advanced platforms. For Indonesia, acquiring a fifth-generation stealth fighter like the KAAN, free of U.S. components, would enhance regional deterrence, support multirole missions in contested airspace, and advance self-reliance in aerospace technology. While initial agreements have highlighted interest, the U.S.-component clause remains a pivotal hurdle in transforming discussions into a binding commitment.
