According to Bulgarianmilitary.com website, Unconfirmed reports and rumors suggest that Saudi Arabia is preparing to acquire a significant number of Turkish KAAN fighter jets.
According to Army Recognition, the potential acquisition of KAAN was reportedly discussed during a visit to Turkey by the commander of the Saudi Air Force, Turki bin Bandar Al Saud. He, along with a delegation met with representatives from Roketsan, Turkish Aerospace Industries, and Aselsan. This visit gave Saudi officials detailed insights into KAAN’s capabilities and initiated discussions about possible strategic cooperation regarding the fifth-generation fighter jet.
If Saudi Arabia moves forward with acquiring the Turkish KAAN fighter, it could significantly bolster the kingdom’s military capabilities. Designed as a fifth-generation multirole fighter, the KAAN offers advanced combat capabilities and operational flexibility. Saudi military analyst Hassan Alakbar noted, “The KAAN could shift the balance of air power in the region, especially for countries like Saudi Arabia that are seeking alternatives to Western-made equipment.” Alakbar added that obtaining such a fighter jet would be pivotal for Saudi Arabia’s modernization of its armed forces and its efforts to reduce dependence on the U.S.
Acquiring KAAN would also strengthen the strategic relationship between Saudi Arabia and Turkey. According to Turkish defense industry expert Metin Gürcan, “This deal could be more than just a military contract; it could lay the foundation for long-term cooperation between Ankara and Riyadh. Joint production, technology sharing, and industrial development will be key areas of partnership.” He highlighted that Turkey is striving to establish itself as a global player in defense, and such collaboration could give a fresh boost to the Turkish economy and its defense exports. For Saudi Arabia, this partnership aligns with its vision for economic diversification and technological advancement.
However, relations between Saudi Arabia and the U.S. might be strained by such a deal. American Middle East expert Anthony Cordesman from the Center for Strategic and International Studies [CSIS] suggested, “If Saudi Arabia opts for the Turkish KAAN instead of the American F-35, it would send a clear message to Washington that the kingdom is willing to turn to alternative suppliers. This could diminish U.S. influence in the region.” Cordesman also pointed out that such a move could hurt the U.S. defense industry, which has traditionally been one of Saudi Arabia’s main arms suppliers. Moreover, it could weaken the U.S.’s efforts to maintain its military dominance and strategic leverage in the Middle East.
International experts note that the KAAN deal could have economic implications for the U.S. as well. Alexander Vershbow, a former U.S. ambassador to NATO and an expert on international security, said, “Losing an F-35 contract would be a blow not only to the U.S. military sector but also to its strategic interests in the region. Meanwhile, Turkey stands to benefit by positioning its technologies as a credible alternative to American systems.” Vershbow emphasized that if Washington doesn’t find a way to address these shifts, it could lead to broader geopolitical realignments in the region, which would reduce the strategic importance of the U.S. in the Middle East.
There is still a scenario where the U.S. might give Saudi Arabia the green light for the F-35 to prevent the purchase of KAAN. Military trade expert Howard Stoddard, author of The Arms Trade: Power and Policy, explained, “Washington may reconsider its position on Saudi Arabia if it sees a real threat of losing strategic ground. Refusing to sell the F-35 to the kingdom would open the door for other countries to strengthen ties with Saudi Arabia, which may not be in the U.S.’s best interest.” Stoddard added that if the U.S. were to provide the F-35, it would signal a continued strategic alliance, though it would likely require Washington to compromise on issues such as human rights and other domestic policies.
For Saudi Arabia, purchasing the F-35 would provide access to cutting-edge military technology, though the deal could come with political conditions imposed by Washington. Alternatively, the KAAN offers not only a modern combat platform but also more flexible opportunities for industrial cooperation with Turkey.
The Turkish KAAN, previously known as the TF-X, is designed as a fifth-generation multirole fighter jet, incorporating advanced technologies and capabilities to compete with the world’s leading combat aircraft. Developed by Turkey through Turkish Aerospace Industries [TAI], the KAAN is aimed at becoming a cornerstone of Turkey’s military modernization efforts and providing a viable alternative to Western fighter jets like the F-35.
The KAAN boasts a sleek stealth design that minimizes its radar signature through the use of composite materials and specific geometric shapes that reduce radar reflections. This makes it difficult to detect by enemy radars, especially over long distances. Measuring around 19 meters in length and with a wingspan of approximately 12 meters, the fighter is similar in size to other fifth-generation jets like the F-22 and F-35. Its ability to fly at high speeds and maneuver under supersonic conditions is another key factor in its effectiveness during combat missions.
One of KAAN’s standout features is its powerful engine system. The jet is expected to be equipped with two jet engines, each providing 27,000 pounds of thrust, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of around Mach 2 [twice the speed of sound]. Additionally, it’s designed to perform super-maneuverable feats and offers significant operational flexibility in various combat scenarios—whether in the air or in ground-attack missions.
The KAAN is also equipped with advanced avionics, including a multifunctional radar system with active electronically scanned array [AESA] technology. This allows the fighter to track multiple targets at varying ranges and under diverse conditions. Additionally, the jet features electronic warfare systems that can protect the aircraft from enemy missiles and make it more difficult for them to lock onto the plane. The AESA radar gives the KAAN a substantial edge in identifying enemy aircraft at long distances, enhancing its success rate in dynamic aerial combat.
In terms of weaponry, the KAAN is capable of being fitted with a wide array of arms, including air-to-air missiles like the AIM-120 and Meteor, as well as air-to-ground missiles designed for destroying surface targets. The jet has internal weapons bays that maintain its stealth configuration, as well as external hardpoints for additional weapons, providing flexibility in mission configurations. This allows it to be deployed in roles ranging from air superiority to offensive strike operations.
Turkey’s ambition with the KAAN also extends to full digitalization and the integration of artificial intelligence. The fighter is expected to employ systems that can analyze and make real-time decisions, reducing pilot workload and enhancing mission efficiency. Additionally, the jet could be networked with drones and other combat platforms, creating a system of connected units operating in unison.
KAAN’s design also emphasizes durability and cost-effective operations. Turkey aims to produce an aircraft that is easier and cheaper to maintain compared to its more expensive Western counterparts like the F-35. This would make modern military technology accessible to countries that may not have the budget for pricier Western systems.
Ultimately, the KAAN represents a major step forward for Turkey in developing its own defense technologies and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers. Its first flight is expected in 2025, with production slated to begin early in the next decade. This project has the potential to reshape regional dynamics, as it would offer Turkey and potential buyers advanced air capabilities at competitive prices.
Source: bulgarianmilitary.com
