Comparison of Turkey's KAAN Fighter Jet vs United States' F-35
The F-35 fighter jet has been used by various NATO countries and the US's international partners, making it one of the most widely operated fifth-generation fighter jets in the world, with extensive technological and infrastructure support.
In contrast, the Turkish-made KAAN is still in the advanced development stage.
The first test flight took place in February 2024, and Turkey aims to have 20 units operational by 2028.
Indonesia has officially ordered 48 fifth-generation KAAN fighter jets from Turkey, marking an important step in the modernization of its national air force.
The purchase contract was signed last weekend at the IDEF 2025 international defense exhibition in Istanbul, witnessed by Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.
This purchase not only symbolizes the strategic partnership between Indonesia and Turkey in the defense sector but also demonstrates Indonesia's commitment to strengthening the Indonesian National Armed Forces' defense equipment amid rising global tensions.
The KAAN will become one of Indonesia's new mainstays in the air.
How formidable is this Turkish-made fighter jet compared to a fifth-generation fighter jet like the US F-35? Here's a comparison between the KAAN and the F-35.
Generations and Stealth Capabilities
Both the KAAN and the F-35 are categorized as fifth-generation fighter aircraft.
Both are designed with stealth technology to avoid radar detection and possess multirole capabilities, capable of carrying out air superiority, ground attack, SEAD, and electronic warfare missions.
The F-35 is known as the first stealth fighter aircraft used in US naval operations, with a high level of situational control and advanced weapons system integration.
The KAAN, meanwhile, boasts similar features such as supercruise, sensor fusion, and network-based operations.
The KAAN has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 (±2,200 km/h), an operational ceiling of up to 55,000 feet, and maneuverability of up to +9g/-3.5g.
The F-35's maximum speed is Mach 1.6, with a range of over 2,200 km and a combat radius of approximately 1,100 km.
The F-35 measures 15.7 meters in length, has a wingspan of 13.1 meters, and carries a weapons payload of up to 8,160 kg. The fighter jet is powered by F135-PW-100 engines with a thrust of up to 40,000 pounds.
While detailed payload specifications have not been officially announced, the KAAN jet is designed to carry a variety of domestically produced missiles and bombs, providing flexibility in a variety of combat scenarios.
The F-35 has been used by various NATO countries and the US's international partners, making it one of the most widely operated fighter jets in the world, with extensive technology and infrastructure support.
The first test took place in February 2024, and Turkey aims to have 20 units operational by 2028.
Indonesia is one of the first countries to officially adopt the KAAN outside of Turkey, opening opportunities for technology transfer and defense industry cooperation.
Strategic Advantage
The F-35 boasts interoperability (communications systems) and a mature global support system, making it the primary choice for US allies.
However, the Asian-African Alliance (AAC) presents a new, competitive alternative, especially for countries seeking to diversify their defense equipment without relying on a single major power bloc.
For Indonesia, the AAC is not simply a purchase of military equipment, but rather part of a long-term strategy to strengthen national defense and the independence of the defense industry.
With this purchase, Indonesia not only demonstrates an active position in global defense geopolitics but also opens a new chapter in strategic cooperation with Turkey. The AAC fighter jets symbolize the country's advanced aerospace technology and are now part of the Indonesian skyline. (blq/bac)