Indonesia may be in the market for 48 TAI Kaan aircraft

On Wednesday 11 June 2025, during the Indo Defence Exposition in Jakarta, Turkish president Erdogan declared that Indonesia comitted to buy up to 48 Kaan fighter aircraft. This long-term deal would be in the USD 10 billion realm.

Of course, many steps are still to be taken. Some defence media report that Indonesia backed out of the KF-21 Boramae project with Korea. But that issue seemed to be resolved this March after Korea agreed to buy back most of Indonesia's stake in the KF-21 programme.

Also, the first six Rafales are still on the production line, of an order that would encompass a maximum of 42 aircraft. Moreover, China jumped in, offering 42 second-hand J-10 aircraft, for about the same price as those first six Rafales.

So, the competition is heating up. And although there would in theory be room for two types of fighter aircraft, we are a bit sceptical about the numbers quoted and have to wait and see what of this will materialise and what are just political statements.

Credit photo: Turkish Aerospace Industries - TAI