Turkey is reportedly engaged in discussions with Saudi Arabia to finalize a defense agreement valued at approximately US$6 billion (RM26.3 billion), which may include the sale of tanks, warships, and missiles. Sources familiar with the negotiations, who spoke to Turkiye Today, indicate that the agreement will also encompass collaboration on Turkey’s indigenous fighter jet program.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is anticipated to visit Saudi Arabia in March to conclude the deal, as per international media reports.

This agreement is seen as a strategic initiative by Turkey to enhance its defense sector and strengthen relations with one of the largest arms importers globally. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has shown interest in participating in the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet program, which is being developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Turkey is also reportedly eager to market its Altay main battle tank and air defense systems to Saudi Arabia.

Officials highlighted that these systems would bolster Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities while facilitating Türkiye’s expanding defense exports. Recently, Defence Security Asia reported that Saudi Arabia is contemplating a proposal to acquire around 100 units of the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet, which is currently being developed in Türkiye.

Discussions regarding this potential acquisition reportedly took place during a recent visit by Saudi Royal Air Force Commander Prince Turki bin Bandar Al Saud to Türkiye. During his visit, Prince Turki engaged with prominent Turkish defense firms, including Roketsan, Aselsan, and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), the producer of the KAAN fighter jet.

According to international defense media reports, “Prince Turki’s visit to Türkiye allowed him and the Saudi delegation to receive the latest information on the KAAN fighter jet’s capabilities and explore potential strategic collaboration between the two countries concerning the fifth-generation aircraft.” The proposed partnership may include technology transfer and the local production of the fighter jet in Saudi Arabia.

The prospective acquisition of the KAAN fighter jet is in line with the strategic goals of both Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to enhance their defense collaboration as prominent regional powers.

The Turkish Air Force is anticipated to commence operations with the KAAN fighter jet in 2028, starting with an initial delivery of 20 aircraft from TAI (TUSAS). By 2029, TAI aims to manufacture two KAAN fighter jets monthly, which is expected to yield around $2.4 billion (RM9.6 billion) in annual revenue. According to the newly appointed TAI CEO, Mehmet Demiroğlu, the Turkish Air Force plans to acquire over 100 KAAN fighter jets once full-scale production is underway.

The KAAN fighter jet achieved a significant milestone by completing its first flight on February 21 of last year, positioning Türkiye among a select group of nations capable of independently developing fifth-generation fighter aircraft. In recent years, the defense relationship between Ankara and Riyadh has notably strengthened.

On July 18 of the previous year, Saudi Arabia revealed a significant $3 billion (RM13.5 billion) agreement to acquire the Akinci MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) from the Turkish defense company Baykar Technology. This acquisition represents the largest defense contract in Turkey’s history.

Subsequently, on August 6, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced that 70 percent of the components for the Akinci drones ordered by Saudi Arabia would be produced locally, aligning with the kingdom’s strategy to enhance its defense sector. In addition to SAMI’s partnership with Baykar Technology, another Saudi entity, the National Company for Mechanical Systems (NCMS), entered into agreements with Turkish defense companies Aselsan and Roketsan.

The collaboration between NCMS and Aselsan is centered on the production of electro-optical surveillance and targeting systems, guidance kits, and precision munitions for the Akinci drone. Meanwhile, the partnership with Roketsan focuses on the development of sophisticated weapon systems for the UCAV, along with other defense capabilities.

As stated by Aselsan, this collaboration will encompass the manufacturing of electro-optical surveillance systems, targeting systems, guidance kits, and advanced munitions utilized in Baykar’s drone technologies.