Indonesia has expressed strong interest in acquiring Türkiye’s fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet, but Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin confirmed in January 2026 that Jakarta will only proceed if the aircraft is completely free of US-origin components subject to ITAR restrictions, reflecting Indonesia’s push for defense autonomy.
Citing Turkish defense industry sources referenced by Aerospace Global News, Indonesia has made clear that any KAAN deal must exclude ITAR-controlled parts to avoid potential US veto power over future upgrades, transfers, or operational use—concerns rooted in Indonesia’s past experience with American arms embargoes during the 1999 East Timor crisis.
The KAAN program, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries and first flown in February 2023, currently relies on several US-made subsystems such as the General Electric F110 engine, though Türkiye is pursuing indigenous alternatives including the TF6000 and TF10000 engines to achieve full technological sovereignty.
Defense analysts say Indonesia’s ITAR-free requirement could delay KAAN export readiness until around 2028–2030, but it may also position the jet as a rare option for countries seeking advanced combat aircraft without Western political conditions typically associated with platforms like the F-35 or Rafale.
The potential KAAN purchase fits Indonesia’s broader defense diversification strategy—alongside Rafale fighters, Turkish-designed Merah Putih frigates with Aselsan systems, and possible JF-17 acquisitions—supporting Jakarta’s long-term goal of achieving 70% defense self-sufficiency by 2044 while reducing dependence on any single supplier.
