Indonesia steps up defence buys, reflecting Prabowo’s military modernisation aim
Analysts question whether Indonesia has the wherewithal to finance and maintain its defence systems
Last week, Turkey and Indonesia sealed an agreement for the sale of 48 units of the fifth-generation Kaan fighter aircraft during the INDO Defence 2025 exhibition held in Indonesia.
The deal, which will make Indonesia the first buyer of Ankara’s home-grown aircraft, was announced by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on June 11, in a post on X.
Valued at about US$10 billion, the deal includes the production and delivery of the advanced aircraft to Indonesia over a 10-year period, according to the Turkish Anadolu Agency.
Kaan is a fifth-generation warplane that Turkey has worked on for almost a decade. First unveiled in 2023, the jet performed its maiden test flight last year.
Last month, France and Indonesia signed a defence agreement covering new orders of French military equipment, including Rafale fighter jets and Scorpene submarines, French President Emmanuel Macron said on May 28 during a visit to Jakarta.
