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Indonesia has officially signed an agreement with Turkey to acquire new fifth-generation fighter jets and naval vessels.
Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, Turkey’s defense industry has rapidly evolved into a major global player, producing a wide range of advanced military equipment including drones, warships, armored vehicles, missile systems, and next-generation fighter aircraft. Their drone industry in particular has become a major player in the defense world, with over 30 countries using their drones. In 2023, Turkey’s defense exports exceeded $5.5 billion.
What’s going on now: In a notable development, Turkey and Indonesia inked a landmark government-to-government defense agreement that will see Indonesia acquire 48 KAAN fifth-generation fighter jets and two İstif-class (I-class) frigates. The contracts were officially signed following a defense summit in Turkey and represent one of the country’s largest defense deals.
Under the agreement, Indonesia will receive the KAAN fighter jet, Turkey’s fifth-generation multirole combat aircraft, developed by Turkish Aerospace (TAI). The aircraft is designed for advanced air superiority missions and incorporates stealth features, supercruise capabilities, and next-generation avionics. The delivery of all 48 jets is expected to occur over a 10-year period.
The second part of the agreement centers on Indonesia’s procurement of two İstif-class frigates, part of Turkey’s national warship program. The İstif-class is an advanced multi-role frigate designed for anti-submarine, anti-air, and surface warfare. The ships feature cutting-edge systems such as the MİDLAS vertical launch system, ATMACA anti-ship missiles, and advanced radar systems.
Turkish defense officials called the frigate export “a significant milestone in strategic naval cooperation” and “a source of pride for both nations,” according to statements made by the Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB).
In a statement, Brigadier General Frega Wenas Inkiriwang, head of the information bureau at Indonesia’s Ministry of Defense, said, “This collaboration between Indonesia and Turkey in the defense sector demonstrates the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries, not only in defense diplomacy but also in technology transfer and increasing the independence of the national defense industry.”
