A Historic Saudi-Turkish Alliance: Kingdom Seeks to Acquire 100 "Kaan" Stealth Fighters

Ankara, January 1, 2025 – In a move that underscores shifting regional power dynamics, Saudi Arabia is pursuing the purchase of 100 fifth-generation stealth fighter jets, "Kaan," from Turkey as part of its Vision 2030 strategy.

Developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), the "Kaan" fighter jet is engineered for air combat missions and precision strikes at supersonic speeds. According to a report by Turkish newspaper Milliyet, high-level meetings were held last week in Istanbul between Haluk Görgün, President of Turkey's Defense Industries Authority, and Saudi officials, including Khalid bin Hussein Al-Bayari, Saudi Deputy Defense Minister, and Turki bin Bandar Al Saud, Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force.

The Israeli newspaper Maariv cited senior officials who suggested this development could alter the regional balance of power and strengthen Sunni alliances, particularly following the U.S. refusal to sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia. Turkish jets are viewed as a strategic interim solution by Saudi Arabia.

Source: Arab Defense