Saudi Arabia in Advanced Talks for Participation in Turkey's KAAN Fighter Jet Program

High-Level Discussions Underway

Turkish Aerospace (TAI/TUSAŞ) is in the final stages of negotiations with Saudi Arabia concerning the latter's potential participation in Turkey's indigenous KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet program. Mehmet Demiroğlu, General Manager of Turkish Aerospace, indicated that comprehensive discussions have covered 'pretty much everything, with the timeline, with the benefit, with the cost, all the feasibility studies is there,' and the company awaits a decision from Saudi officials regarding the model of cooperation.

The potential collaboration gained significant momentum following a visit by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan to Riyadh in February 2026, where he met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During his return, President Erdoğan highlighted growing defense-industrial cooperation and the possibility of joint investment in the KAAN program, describing the jet as a 'symbol of Turkey's strategic autonomy.'

KAAN: Turkey's Fifth-Generation Fighter

The KAAN, formerly known as TF-X or Milli Muharip Uçak (MMU), is a stealth, twin-engine, all-weather air superiority and multirole fighter developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries. It is designed to replace the Turkish Air Force's aging fleet of F-16 Fighting Falcons and is also intended for export to international markets.

Key features of the KAAN include:

• Low observability (stealth)
• Advanced avionics and sensor fusion
• Supercruise capability
• Internal weapons bays
• High maneuverability
• AI-assisted avionics and network-centric warfare capabilities

The first prototype of the KAAN successfully conducted its maiden flight on February 21, 2024, lasting 13 minutes and reaching an altitude of 8,000 feet and a speed of 230 knots. While initial prototypes are powered by General Electric F110-GE-129 turbofan engines, Turkey is actively developing an indigenous engine, the TF35000, with integration targeted for 2032.

Strategic Implications for Both Nations

For Saudi Arabia, participation in the KAAN program offers a strategic pathway to reduce its reliance on Western arms suppliers and to advance its domestic defense industry, aligning with its Vision 2030 goals. Reports in 2024 indicated Saudi Arabia's interest in acquiring as many as 100 KAAN fighter jets. Potential forms of involvement could range from purchasing a 'small squadron' of around 20 aircraft to co-production or even establishing a final assembly line in Saudi Arabia for a larger number, such as 50 planes.

For Turkey, a significant Saudi investment or order could be transformative. Experts suggest that a large Saudi commitment would 'slash unit costs, accelerate production, and turn KAAN into a serious global competitor.' The program has already garnered international interest, with Indonesia signing a deal for 48 aircraft in June 2025, and Egypt expressing interest and announcing participation in July 2025. Turkish Aerospace aims to deliver the first KAAN jets to the Turkish Air Force by late 2028 or early 2029, with serial production expected to commence in 2028.