Jakarta: This year, Trkiye and Indonesia celebrated the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship. During a visit to Indonesia in February, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The leaders convened a high-level strategic cooperation council, a bilateral mechanism for state-level negotiations that resulted in multiple agreements in the fields of energy, health, agriculture, defense, communications, and education. The leaders also agreed to accelerate the comprehensive partnership agreement process, aiming for a higher trade volume of $10 billion.
According to Anadolu Agency, in June, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding for the sale of 48 units of Trkiye’s fifth-generation fighter jet KAAN to Indonesia. The agreement was made during the biennial Indo Defense Expo and Forum, which took place in Jakarta. This initiative is part of Indonesia’s efforts to diversify its sources for primary defense systems. The expected delivery date for these fighter aircraft, manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries, is within the next 10 years.
The KAAN fighter, equipped with stealth technology, is expected to enhance Indonesia’s air defense capabilities, particularly in response to escalating air threats from adversarial forces possessing fifth-generation technology in the Indo-Pacific region. Historically, Jakarta and Ankara have engaged in defense collaboration, notably in the development of the Kaplan MT, a medium-weight tank, through a partnership between Turkish armored-vehicle manufacturer FNSS and Indonesian state-owned firm PT Pindad. Erdogan hailed the new fighter jet pact as the most significant agreement in the history of Trkiye’s defense industry.
In addition to demonstrating Indonesia’s confidence in Trkiye’s defense capabilities, the pact indicated that the two countries are becoming increasingly close partners. Baykar, a Turkish company specializing in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has formed a joint venture with Republikorp, Indonesia’s foremost defense company, to build a drone factory in Indonesia. This partnership was established in the same year, with both heads of state present in February at Bogor Palace in West Java to witness the signing of the agreement.
Trkiye, maintaining the second-largest permanent military force in NATO, benefits from a robust defense industry. President Prabowo’s administration is expected to prioritize national defense capabilities, aligning with Trkiye’s Asia Anew Initiative. This initiative emphasizes cooperation with Asian counterparts, including members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
The diversification of alliances in a multipolar world has become increasingly crucial. ASEAN’s centrality in global trade and Trkiye’s need to diversify its trade have created potential for significant collaboration, particularly in defense. Malaysia, another ASEAN member state, has also expressed interest in the KAAN program. Indonesia aims to build a substantial air force in Southeast Asia by participating in international fighter aircraft programs and diversifying its fleet. However, this goal requires alignment with fiscal realities, a consistent investment strategy, and a clear strategic orientation.
Trkiye’s Asia Anew Initiative aligns with ASEAN’s economic dynamics, likely leading to stronger ties between Trkiye and ASEAN countries. This strategy reflects Trkiye’s broader geopolitical aim to establish new alliances in a multipolar world as Asia becomes a central power hub. ASEAN member states, facing regional security challenges, should diversify their defense and economic cooperation with middle-power countries like Trkiye to avoid over-dependence on major powers.
The evolving security dynamics in Southeast Asia, shaped significantly by ASEAN, present opportunities for Trkiye to play a prominent role in regional security dialogues, counterterrorism, and defense initiatives. This collaboration is expected to benefit both parties, strengthening their strategic relationship.