Offer of Turkish KAAN fighter jets to strengthen Malaysia’s air defence

 Kuala Lumpur — Turkiye is willing to collaborate with Malaysia on cooperative military initiatives that will benefit both countries, and it is prepared to provide its fifth-generation “KAAN” fighter jet to assist Malaysia in meeting its air defence needs.

Prof. Haluk Gorgun, Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries, stated that Malaysia might accelerate its own defence capabilities and support the development of its domestic defence industry by collaborating to obtain access to state-of-the-art technology and knowledge.

He emphasised the mutual advantages of such a relationship in an email interview with Bernama ahead of the three-day Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions (May 6 to May 9) in Kuala Lumpur.

“We are willing to collaborate on development projects, such as the ‘KAAN’ Project,’ which Turkiye has already started, with Malaysia, a friendly and brotherly nation.”

Additionally, we are willing to share with Malaysia the knowledge we have obtained by operating the HURKUS and HURJET Jet aircraft as New Generation Basic Trainers.

He expressed hope about the beneficial effects this cooperation would have on bilateral ties and regional security, saying, “Turkiye, on the other hand, could benefit from Malaysia’s contributions in areas such as research and development, manufacturing capabilities, and regional knowledge.”

According to Gorgun, Turkiye and Malaysia have effectively worked together on co-production initiatives, direct procurement projects, and Technology Transfer (ToT) across a range of platforms and subsystems.

The FNSS-led land vehicle projects ADNAN and Gempita, the Aselsan-led radar, weapon systems, command and control programmes, and the NUROL-led armoured vehicle deployments are examples of this remarkable collaboration.

He went on to explain that the “KAAN” is a multirole fighter jet that can perform a wide range of missions, such as air-to-ground strikes, electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and air-to-air combat, giving Malaysia a flexible range of options to handle different security threats.

The possibility for technology transfer and the KAAN’s compatibility with NATO equipment offer options for Malaysia to work with Turkiye to smoothly incorporate the aircraft into its defence infrastructure.

According to Gorgun, investing in the KAAN would, all things considered, greatly improve Malaysia’s air superiority, fortify bilateral defence ties, and promote peace and security throughout Southeast Asia.

The first-ever, 13-minute test flight of Turkey’s indigenous fifth-generation fighter jet, known as “KAAN,” garnered attention from international media sources on February 21.

The successful completion of the test flight was hailed by a large portion of the foreign press as “a major step forward for Turkiye’s efforts to develop its fifth-generation fighter.”

According to reports, the Turkish Air Force worked for more than ten years to develop “KAAN,” which the nation hopes will “eventually replace” its F-16 fleet.

Joining the US, Russia, China, and South Korea as the only five nations in the world capable of developing and manufacturing fifth-generation fighter jets on their own is Turkiye.

Regarding DSA and Natsec, Gorgun stated that the international conference will serve as a fantastic forum for the two nations to share ideas and negotiate possible cooperative projects.

With the use of UAVs and UCAVs in particular, Turkey has changed the balance of power in the Mediterranean with its Navy and Air Force and accomplished notable triumphs in its region utilising exclusively domestic munitions.

The primary reason for our involvement at DSA 2024 is to demonstrate our influence in Asia and to convey the idea that Turkey is a major player in the defence sector, eager to work with Malaysia.

“I believe that DSA 2024 will be an excellent forum for the two nations to share ideas and negotiate possible cooperative projects.

“We will deepen the needs of Malaysian forces, create common issues that can be produced together, and surely shape our direction from this perspective in the upcoming period,” he stated in reference to the military industry cooperation meetings that would take place.

With more than 3,500 businesses and 80,000 workers, Turkiye’s defence sector has grown to be one of the main drivers of the national economy.

As a result, over 850 projects and associated initiatives have been started, resulting in a record-breaking US$5.5 billion (RM25.96 billion) in exports per year, US$12 billion (RM56.6 billion) in turnover for the military industry, and more than US$2 billion (RM9.44 billion) in R&D expenses.

Once more this year, with around 70 businesses including Aselsan, Canik, Dearsan Shipyard, and Turkish Aerospace Industries, Türkiye emerged as the largest contingent at the 2024 DSA and NATSEC Exhibition. – Bernama