President Prabowo Signals Indonesia’s Intent to Join Turkey’s 5th-Gen Fighter Jet Project KAAN

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has officially expressed Indonesia’s interest in joining the development of Turkey’s fifth-generation fighter jet project, KAAN, spearheaded by Turkish Aerospace Industries in collaboration with BAE Systems. The statement was made following a bilateral meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan at the Presidential Complex in Ankara on Thursday (April 11, 2025).

“Indonesia is eager to participate in the joint development of the fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet, as well as in submarine construction and development with Turkey’s defense industry,” Prabowo stated during a joint press briefing.

The Indonesian president also announced that both nations had agreed to establish a joint venture in the strategic defense sector, although further details were not disclosed.

Another major outcome of the bilateral talks was the agreement to pursue a Bilateral Investment Treaty aimed at boosting cross-border investment. Prabowo also extended an invitation to Turkish construction firms to take part in Indonesia’s ongoing infrastructure development.

“We deeply appreciate Turkish construction companies helping build 42 hospitals across Indonesia. Collaboration in the healthcare sector is crucial, especially in jointly producing vaccines for the benefit of both our populations,” he said.

In addition, the two leaders agreed to improve market access and remove trade barriers between their countries. To support this, both presidents instructed the acceleration of negotiations on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) as a stepping stone toward the formation of a Comprehensive Economic Preferential Agreement (CEPA) between Turkey and Indonesia.

“Only through economic strength can our voice be heard in the global arena,” President Prabowo affirmed.