Saudi Arabia “considering its options” with potential 100 Kaan jet acquisition
The Kaan fifth-generation fighter has been formally under development since 2010, with TAI eyeing a 2030 entry-into-service date. (Photo: Turkish Aerospace Industries)
Despite local media reports, an analyst has suggested that the country could be using these discussions as a way to gain bargaining power to bolster its bid to join the Global Combat Air Programme.
According to local Turkish media sources, Saudi Arabia is reportedly considering the acquisition of up to 100 of Turkey’s indigenous Kaan fighter jets to bolster the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF) fleet.
At the end of December 2024, Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, secretary of defence industries for the Turkish Defence Industry Agency, hosted Saudi Arabia Deputy Minister of Defense HE Dr. Khaled Bin Hussein Al Biyari and Chief of Air Forces HRH Turki bin Bandar Al Saud in Istanbul. It was reported that in these talks, the discussion of Saudi Arabia acquiring 100 KAAN jets for 2030 was raised.
Around a similar
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Sikorsky advances Black Hawk modernisation with new engine ground tests]()
Sikorsky advances Black Hawk modernisation with new engine ground tests
The UH-60 helicopter ground run test of the T901 engine is the first in a set of tests for boosting the helicopter’s range and lift capacity. The first flight of the improved engine Black Hawk is anticipated for later in 2025.
-
![Third Australian Triton UAS completes testing]()
Third Australian Triton UAS completes testing
Australia received its first MQ-4C Triton uncrewed aerial system (UAS) in August last year with another two expected to be delivered this year.
-
![US Navy’s next-generation sensor for Super Hornets achieves Initial Operating Capability]()
US Navy’s next-generation sensor for Super Hornets achieves Initial Operating Capability
The full rate production decision is scheduled for first-half 2025 and this will authorise the US Navy (USN) to fully outfit its carrier-based F/A-18E/F Super Hornet squadrons with InfraRed Search-and-Track (IRST) Block II.
