On October 15, 2024, the Twitter account @TurkishFacts4U reported that Saudi Arabia is interested in acquiring over 100 KAAN fighter jets, a 5th-generation aircraft developed by Türkiye under its TFX program. This potential acquisition was discussed during a visit to Türkiye by Saudi Air Force Commander Turki bin Bandar Al Saud, who, along with a delegation, met with officials from Roketsan, Turkish Aerospace Industries, and Aselsan. The visit provided Saudi officials with detailed information about the KAAN’s capabilities and initiated discussions on a potential strategic collaboration regarding this 5th-generation fighter.
Saudi Arabia interest in the KAAN aligns with its goal of establishing a strong defense partnership, amid growing Turkish-Saudi ties. During this visit, Saudi officials received detailed information on the development and capabilities of the KAAN, which represents a significant advancement for the Turkish defense industry. The potential collaboration could include technology transfers and support for local production, in line with Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to increase its industrial autonomy in the defense sector.
The KAAN project, launched in 2016 with an investment of $1.18 billion to secure the necessary technologies, benefits from collaboration with international firms such as BAE Systems from the United Kingdom and Rolls-Royce for engine design and development. Choosing the EJ200 engine, which enables supercruise, KAAN is designed to offer advanced operational capabilities, including the ability to fly at supersonic speeds without afterburners. With dimensions of 14 meters in wingspan, 21 meters in length, and 6 meters in height, KAAN can reach a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and a service ceiling of 55,000 feet. The aircraft is also designed to be interoperable with other critical assets of the Turkish Air Force, such as the F-35A, enhancing its operational effectiveness in joint missions.
The KAAN is designed to reach speeds over Mach 1.8, with a combat range estimated at around 1,100 kilometers and a maximum operational altitude of approximately 55,000 feet. Its payload capacity exceeds 6,000 kilograms, allowing it to carry a mix of air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions across its 10+ external hardpoints. The AESA radar system offers a detection range of over 100 kilometers, significantly enhancing its situational awareness and targeting accuracy. The aircraft measures around 19 meters in length with a wingspan of 12 meters, and it is powered by twin engines, each producing around 27,000 pounds of thrust, enabling supercruise capability and high agility in combat scenarios.