The global defense landscape is witnessing a massive shift that could change the balance of air power in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is currently exploring a major investment to join Turkey’s ambitious Kaan stealth fighter program. This potential partnership represents more than just a purchase of military hardware. It signals a deep strategic pivot for Riyadh as it seeks to build its own defense industry and reduce total reliance on Western suppliers.
For Turkey, this deal could be the financial lifeline needed to complete its most expensive military project to date. The Kaan fighter jet is Turkey’s answer to being removed from the US F-35 program. With the first successful flight completed earlier this year, the aircraft is real. Now, Ankara needs partners with deep pockets to move from prototype to mass production. The entry of Saudi Arabia into this program would likely accelerate development and create a formidable new player in the exclusive club of fifth generation aircraft manufacturers.
A Strategic Pivot for Riyadh
Saudi Arabia has historically relied on American F-15s and British Typhoons to secure its airspace. However, the geopolitical winds are changing. Under Vision 2030, the Kingdom wants to localize 50 percent of its defense spending. They no longer want to just buy planes. They want to own the technology and the know-how to build them.
Joining the Kaan program offers exactly that opportunity. Unlike purchasing off the shelf American jets which come with strict usage restrictions, co-developing a fighter with Turkey offers more freedom. It allows Saudi engineers to gain critical experience in stealth technology, sensor fusion and advanced aerodynamics.
This move proves that Saudi Arabia is serious about becoming a self sufficient military power.
Recent reports indicate that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is actively courting this investment. He recently stated that a joint investment with Saudi Arabia could happen “at any moment.” This follows a significant thawing of relations between the two regional heavyweights. After years of tension, Ankara and Riyadh are finding common ground in defense and regional security.
The Kaan vs The World
The Kaan, formerly known as the TF-X, is not a small light attack aircraft. It is a large, twin engine air superiority fighter designed to dominate the skies. On paper, it competes directly with the US F-22 Raptor and the F-35 Lightning II.
Turkey designed this jet to replace its aging fleet of F-16s. After the US expelled Turkey from the F-35 program due to the purchase of Russian missile systems, the Kaan became a matter of national survival.
Here is how the Kaan stacks up against its main competition:
| Feature | Turkey Kaan | US F-35 Lightning II |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Air Superiority | Multirole Strike |
| Engines | Twin Engine | Single Engine |
| Speed | Mach 1.8 (Target) | Mach 1.6 |
| Stealth | High | Very High |
| Cost | Est. $100 Million+ | ~$80 Million |
The Kaan aims to offer high performance without the diplomatic strings attached to US hardware. For nations like Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Azerbaijan, this is a very attractive proposition. It offers a path to stealth capabilities that might otherwise be blocked by Washington or entangled in complex congressional approvals.
The Billion Dollar Engine Hurdle
While the airframe looks impressive, the Kaan faces a critical challenge that money alone might not fix. A fighter jet is only as good as its engine.
Currently, the prototypes are flying with American made General Electric F110 engines. These are the same engines used in the F-16. However, Turkey cannot rely on these forever.
- Export Controls: The US Congress could block the sale of these engines to Turkey for mass production.
- Performance: A true fifth generation fighter needs an engine designed for supercruise. This means flying at supersonic speeds without using fuel guzzling afterburners. The older F110 engines are not optimized for this.
- Indigenous Solution: Turkey is working on its own engine through a company called TRMotor. But building a high performance jet engine is incredibly difficult. It usually takes decades of research and testing.
If Saudi Arabia joins the program, their funding could speed up this engine development significantly.
Riyadh has the capital to hire the best talent from around the world to help solve these engineering bottlenecks. Without a reliable engine, the Kaan remains a very expensive glider. This is where the Saudi investment becomes “rocket fuel” for the entire project.
Economics of Modern Warfare
Developing a stealth fighter is one of the most expensive undertakings a nation can attempt. The total cost of the F-35 program is estimated to exceed $1.7 trillion over its lifetime. Turkey is currently battling severe inflation and economic instability at home.
Shouldering the burden of the Kaan development alone is a massive risk for the Turkish economy.
This is why international partners are essential. Azerbaijan has already signed on to the project. Pakistan has shown keen interest. But Saudi Arabia brings a different level of financial power. A multi billion dollar injection from Riyadh would secure the supply chain and ensure that research and development continues without pauses.
It also opens up a guaranteed export market. If the Royal Saudi Air Force commits to buying 100 jets, the unit cost drops for everyone. This makes the Kaan more competitive on the global market against rivals like South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae or China’s FC-31.
The collaboration could also extend beyond just money. Saudi Arabia has been investing heavily in advanced manufacturing and materials science. A joint production line could see parts of the fuselage or avionics systems being manufactured in Saudi cities, creating high tech jobs for Saudi citizens.
This partnership has the potential to reshape the defense industry in the Muslim world. It creates a hub of military technology independent of NATO or Russian influence. While hurdles regarding engines and system integration remain, the political will from both Ankara and Riyadh suggests this deal is moving forward fast.
The Kaan fighter represents a bold gamble for Turkey and a strategic necessity for Saudi Arabia. If they can overcome the technical challenges, specifically the engine production, this partnership will create a powerful new symbol of Middle Eastern military independence. It shows that regional powers are no longer content to just buy the future of warfare. They intend to build it themselves.
