“Saudi Arabia Eyes Cutting-Edge Turkish 5th Gen Fighter Jets in Ambitious Acquisition Move”
Saudi Arabia is investigating the opportunity of acquiring approximately 100 of Turkey’s advanced fighter jet, the “KAAN.” This possible agreement was deliberated upon during the recent visit of the Saudi Air Force chief, Prince Turki bin Bandar Al Saud, to Turkey.
Throughout his visit, Prince Turki engaged with multiple prominent Turkish defense firms, including the manufacturer of the KAAN jet, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
He also conversed with Roketsan and Aselsan, two significant defense enterprises in Turkey.
Sources indicate that the purpose of the visit was to provide the Saudi delegation with a comprehensive insight into the KAAN fighter’s performance and to explore potential avenues for collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Turkey on this aircraft.
This prospective partnership might entail technology sharing and even local production of some of these sophisticated jets in Saudi Arabia.
On August 6, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) revealed that 70 percent of the components for the Akinci drones acquired by Saudi Arabia would be produced domestically, showcasing Saudi efforts to bolster its defense industrial capabilities.
In addition to SAMI’s agreement with Baykar Technology, Saudi Arabia’s National Company for Mechanical Systems (NCMS) has finalized contracts with Turkey’s Aselsan for the provision of electro-optical systems for the drones and with Roketsan for armaments, including those integrated into the Akinci drone.
Aselsan confirmed that both parties would collaborate in developing electro-optical surveillance, targeting apparatus, guidance kits, and precision-guided munitions utilized by Baykar drones.
