Indonesia Seeks Involvement in Turkey's KAAN Fighter Jet Program

Indonesia has expressed a strong interest in participating in Turkey's fifth-generation fighter jet program, KAAN, during a visit by Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto to Ankara for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. This move raises questions about Indonesia's ongoing role in the KF-21 project with South Korea, amid reports of financial delays and tensions surrounding the collaboration. Subianto emphasized the desire for closer defense ties, including the potential for a joint venture in submarine development alongside the fighter jet initiative. The KAAN program aims to replace Turkey's aging F-16 fleet and marks a significant step in Turkey's defense industry ambitions. Additionally, both leaders highlighted the need for strategic partnerships among Global South nations to influence a new global order. This interest from Indonesia may indicate a shift in its defense strategy towards diversifying partnerships beyond traditional allies.