Unverified intelligence and circulating reports indicate that Saudi Arabia may be on the verge of acquiring a substantial fleet of Turkish KAAN fighter jets. While Turkish media has yet to officially confirm these claims, the account TurkishFacts4u stated on October 15 that Saudi Arabia is considering a purchase of 100 KAAN aircraft from Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The report suggests that this acquisition could enhance the military stature of both Turkey and Saudi Arabia in the regional landscape.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has shown interest in procuring F-35 fighter jets, particularly following the United Arab Emirates’ successful deal for the aircraft after normalizing relations with Israel in 2020. However, the U.S. government denied Saudi Arabia’s request for the F-35, citing concerns regarding security, human rights, and the need to maintain Israel’s military superiority. Since then, no significant advancements have occurred concerning the sale of F-35s to Saudi Arabia.
Recent discussions regarding the potential KAAN acquisition took place during a visit to Turkey by the commander of the Saudi Air Force, Turki bin Bandar Al Saud. Accompanied by a delegation, he engaged with officials from Roketsan, TAI, and Aselsan. This meeting provided Saudi representatives with an in-depth understanding of KAAN’s capabilities and initiated dialogues on strategic cooperation related to the fifth-generation fighter.
Should Saudi Arabia proceed with the KAAN acquisition, it would notably enhance its military capabilities. As a fifth-generation multirole fighter, the KAAN is designed to deliver advanced combat capabilities and operational versatility. Military analyst Hassan Alakbar commented that the KAAN could significantly alter the regional air power balance, particularly for nations like Saudi Arabia seeking alternatives to Western military hardware. He emphasized that acquiring such a platform would be crucial for Saudi Arabia’s armed forces modernization and efforts to diminish reliance on the United States.
Furthermore, this deal could solidify the strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Turkey. According to defense expert Metin Gürcan, this agreement may extend beyond mere military procurement to establish long-term cooperation between Ankara and Riyadh. Areas such as joint production, technology sharing, and industrial development are likely focal points of this partnership. Gürcan noted that Turkey aims to position itself as a significant player in the global defense market, which could bolster its economy and defense exports. For Saudi Arabia, this partnership aligns with its goals of economic diversification and technological advancement.
However, such a transaction might complicate Saudi Arabia’s relations with the United States. Anthony Cordesman, a Middle East expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), suggested that opting for the Turkish KAAN over the American F-35 would signal to Washington a willingness to seek alternative suppliers, potentially diminishing U.S. influence in the region. He warned that this shift could adversely affect the U.S. defense sector, which has historically been a key arms supplier to Saudi Arabia, and undermine American efforts to maintain military superiority and strategic leverage in the Middle East.
International analysts have raised concerns that the KAAN deal could also have economic repercussions for the United States. Alexander Vershbow, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and a security expert, indicated that losing an F-35 contract would deal a blow not only to the U.S. military sector but also to its strategic interests in the region. He stressed that if Washington fails to adapt to these shifts, it could trigger broader geopolitical realignments that lessen U.S. importance in the Middle East.
There remains a possibility that the U.S. might reconsider granting Saudi Arabia access to the F-35 in order to avert the KAAN purchase. Military trade expert Howard Stoddard noted that if the U.S. perceives a genuine threat to its strategic standing, it might reassess its position on arms sales to the kingdom. He suggested that refusal to sell the F-35 could prompt other countries to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia, which may not align with U.S. interests. Should the U.S. offer the F-35, it would signify a continued strategic alliance, albeit potentially at the cost of compromising on issues such as human rights.
For Saudi Arabia, procuring the F-35 would provide access to advanced military technology, though it could come with political stipulations from Washington. Conversely, the KAAN offers not only a modern combat platform but also enhanced opportunities for industrial cooperation with Turkey.
The Turkish KAAN, previously designated as the TF-X, is engineered as a fifth-generation multirole fighter, integrating advanced technologies and capabilities to rival leading combat aircraft globally. Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the KAAN aims to serve as a foundational element of Turkey’s military modernization and to provide a competitive alternative to Western jets like the F-35.
Featuring a sleek, stealthy design that reduces radar detection through the use of composite materials and specific geometric configurations, the KAAN is intended to minimize its radar signature. Its dimensions, approximately 19 meters in length with a wingspan of about 12 meters, place it in the same category as other fifth-generation jets such as the F-22 and F-35. The aircraft’s ability to achieve high speeds and maneuverability at supersonic levels enhances its effectiveness in combat scenarios.
The KAAN is expected to be powered by a dual-engine system, each delivering approximately 27,000 pounds of thrust, enabling a maximum speed near Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound). The aircraft is designed for super-maneuverability, affording considerable operational flexibility for a variety of combat missions, including air-to-air and ground-attack operations.
Equipped with cutting-edge avionics, the KAAN features a multifunctional radar system utilizing active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology, enabling it to track multiple targets across varying ranges and conditions. Additionally, advanced electronic warfare systems enhance the jet’s protection from enemy missiles while complicating adversaries’ targeting efforts. The AESA radar endows the KAAN with a significant advantage in identifying enemy aircraft at considerable distances, improving its effectiveness in aerial engagements.
The KAAN can be outfitted with a broad spectrum of weaponry, including air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 and Meteor, as well as precision-guided munitions for surface targets. With internal weapons bays preserving its stealth profile and external hardpoints for additional ordnance, the aircraft provides versatility for a range of operational roles.
Turkey’s aspirations for the KAAN extend to full digital integration and artificial intelligence incorporation. The aircraft is projected to utilize systems capable of real-time analysis and decision-making, thereby reducing pilot workload and enhancing mission efficacy. Furthermore, the KAAN may operate in conjunction with drones and other combat platforms, creating a cohesive network of units operating in tandem.
Durability and cost-effective operations are also key design considerations for the KAAN. Turkey aims to develop an aircraft that is less expensive and simpler to maintain compared to its Western counterparts, thus making advanced military technology more accessible to nations with constrained defense budgets.
Ultimately, the KAAN symbolizes a significant advancement for Turkey in establishing its own defense capabilities and diminishing reliance on external suppliers. Its inaugural flight is anticipated in 2025, with production commencing early in the next decade. This initiative has the potential to reshape regional military dynamics by offering both Turkey and prospective buyers advanced aerial capabilities at competitive prices.