Egypt given green light to join Turkey's 5th-generation KAAN fighter jet initiative: Sources claim
Egypt has been given the green light by Türkiye to become a co-producer and manufacturing partner in the KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet program. This significant collaboration is expected to be formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) scheduled to be signed in late 2025.
The partnership marks a significant step for Egypt, aiming to modernize its air force and diversify its defense suppliers beyond its current F-16s, Rafales, and other aircraft. Egypt's role in the program will involve technology transfer and joint production lines for the KAAN jet, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
The KAAN fighter is a twin-engine, all-weather aircraft designed for air superiority and multirole capabilities. It is intended to replace Türkiye’s aging F-16 fleet and compete with other fifth-generation fighters like the F-35, Su-57, and J-20. Egypt has reportedly inspected the prototype and plans to integrate KAAN jets into its frontline fleet, potentially making Africa’s first co-producer of a fifth-generation stealth fighter.
This historic expansion of defense ties between the two countries could reshape the military-industrial balance in the Middle East and Africa. However, official confirmation from Turkish authorities remains pending as of early August 2025. The MoU signing later in 2025 will be a key milestone to formalize Egypt’s role in the program.
Meanwhile, the KAAN fighter jet partnership opens new avenues for military-industrial cooperation, extending beyond the fighter to include Turkish drones, TRLG-230 missiles, mini smart munitions, and L-UMTAS anti-tank missile systems.
The potential partnership has garnered interest from other Middle Eastern nations, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, who reportedly seek alternatives to Western fighter jets. The Turkish fighter is viewed as a leading candidate by some, especially since it's expected to enter service within a few years, possibly by 2028.
Nation: Türkiye signs a 48-aircraft KAAN export deal with Indonesia at IDEF 2025. Türkiye also plans to integrate an indigenous engine into the KAAN fighter jet by 2032.
Gen. Hassan Rashid, former chief of staff of the Egyptian Air Force, stated that joint manufacturing with Turkey will be beneficial for the Egyptian Armed Forces. Dr. Ali Bakir, a professor at Qatar University and visiting fellow at the Atlantic Council, suggests that acquiring the Turkish-Egyptian fighter could help "close the gap with Israel, which currently enjoys overwhelming military and technological superiority in the region."
However, it's important to note that Israel remains the region's sole operator of F-35s, with U.S. restrictions preventing deliveries to other regional allies, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, according to reports.
While the approval and intentions are widely reported, the news of the partnership has not yet been confirmed in Turkey. The Aegean Sea neighbours are poised for a significant leap in military cooperation, with Egypt set to join Türkiye in the development and production of the cutting-edge KAAN fighter jet.
- Turkey's defense industry, with its KAAN fifth-generation fighter jet, has attracted significant interest from Egypt, aiming to modernize its air force and diversify defense suppliers.
- In Ankara, General Hassan Rashid, former chief of staff of the Egyptian Air Force, highlighted the benefits of joint manufacturing with Turkey for the Egyptian Armed Forces.
- The Middle East and Africa may witness a reshaped military-industrial balance as Turkey collaborates with Egypt in the production of the KAAN fighter jet, a potential competitor to the F-35, Su-57, and J-20.
- Beyond the fightjet, this partnership could extend to include Turkish drones, missiles, and anti-tank missile systems, as other Middle Eastern countries, like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, also show interest in alternatives to Western fighter jets.
