Introduction

Saudi Arabia is advancing talks with Türkiye to join the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet programme, potentially adding Ankara another major international partner for its flagship combat aircraft project. This engagement comes as Egypt also explores participation, reflecting broader regional interest in Türkiye's domestically developed aircraft.

What Happened

Riyadh's interest in KAAN follows Egypt's earlier engagement, which was sparked during President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi's visit to Türkiye in September 2024. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) General Manager Mehmet Demiroğlu confirmed discussions with Saudi Arabia had reached the highest level, and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan suggested a deal could be signed at any moment. The negotiations gained fresh momentum after Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement in August 2026, creating a new strategic military bloc. While no final agreement has been signed, both nations have indicated that participation whether through direct purchase or co-production aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader modernisation goals.

Why This Matters

KAAN represents a significant alternative for Saudi Arabia as it navigates complex F-35 negotiations with the United States. Türkiye was excluded from the F-35 programme in 2019 after acquiring Russia's S-400 air-defence system, and Egypt and Saudi Arabia have also pursued F-35 access with varying outcomes. The KAAN partnership could help Riyadh diversify its air capabilities while supporting Vision 2030's target of localising 50% of military spending by 2030. For Türkiye, securing a major Gulf partner bolsters the international profile of its domestically developed combat aircraft and reduces isolation from Western defence frameworks. Regional security dynamics, including threats from Iranian-backed groups and the Houthis, further underscore the strategic value of advanced fighter capabilities for the kingdom.

Key Takeaways

  • Saudi Arabia is in advanced talks with Türkiye to join the KAAN fifth-generation fighter programme
  • Egypt previously engaged with KAAN, with reports of approval discussed in 2025, though no formal agreement has been announced
  • The Makkah Joint Defence Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Pakistan in August 2026 provided new momentum to the negotiations
  • KAAN offers Saudi Arabia an alternative path to advanced fighter technology, complementing its ongoing F-35 pursuit
  • Participation could support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 goal of localising half of its military expenditure by 2030
  • If finalised, the deal would mark a significant expansion of Türkiye's combat aircraft export portfolio

Conclusion

As Saudi Arabia weighs its options for next-generation air power, the KAAN programme presents a strategic opportunity to diversify its fleet, deepen defence ties with Türkiye and regional partners, and advance its domestic defence industrial goals. Whether the talks culminate in a signed agreement remains to be seen, but the momentum suggests the kingdom is actively seeking alternatives beyond traditional Western platforms. Stakeholders will be watching closely how the balance between F-35 ambitions and homegrown regional alternatives unfolds in the coming months.