“Saudi Arabia Sets Its Sights on Next-Gen Turkish Fighter Jets in Bold Acquisition Strategy”
Saudi Arabia is currently assessing the possibility of procuring around 100 units of Turkey’s state-of-the-art fighter aircraft, the “KAAN.” This potential arrangement was discussed during the recent trip taken by the Saudi Air Force commander, Prince Turki bin Bandar Al Saud, to Turkey.
During his trip, Prince Turki interacted with several distinguished Turkish defense corporations, including the producer of the KAAN jet, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
He also engaged in discussions with Roketsan and Aselsan, two major defense companies in Turkey.
Reports suggest that the intent of the visit was to equip the Saudi delegation with an in-depth understanding of the KAAN fighter’s capabilities and to explore prospective collaborations between Saudi Arabia and Turkey regarding this aircraft.
This potential alliance could involve technology transfer and possibly local assembly of some of these advanced jets within Saudi Arabia.
On August 6, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) disclosed that 70 percent of the parts for the Akinci drones secured by Saudi Arabia will be manufactured domestically, highlighting Saudi initiatives to enhance its defense manufacturing prowess.
Besides SAMI’s agreement with Baykar Technology, Saudi Arabia’s National Company for Mechanical Systems (NCMS) has secured contracts with Turkey’s Aselsan for the supply of electro-optical equipment for the drones and with Roketsan for munitions, including those incorporated into the Akinci drone.
Aselsan verified that both sides would cooperate in the development of electro-optical reconnaissance, targeting systems, guidance kits, and precision-guided armaments utilized by Baykar drones.
