Saudi Arabia is exploring the possibility of buying around 100 of Turkey’s next-generation fighter jet, the “KAAN.” This potential deal was discussed when the head of the Saudi Air Force, Prince Turki bin Bandar Al Saud, recently visited Turkey.
During his trip, Prince Turki met with several key Turkish defense companies, including the one making the KAAN jet, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).
He also talked with Roketsan and Aselsan, other important defense companies in Turkey.
Reports suggest that the visit aimed to give the Saudi delegation a deeper understanding of the KAAN fighter’s capabilities and to discuss ways for Saudi Arabia and Turkey to work together on this aircraft.
This potential collaboration could involve sharing technology and even building some of these advanced jets within Saudi Arabia.
On August 6, Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) announced that 70 percent of the components for the Akinci drones procured by Saudi Arabia would be manufactured domestically, reflecting Saudi efforts to enhance its defense industrial capabilities.
In addition to SAMI’s agreement with Baykar Technology, Saudi Arabia’s National Company for Mechanical Systems (NCMS) signed agreements with Turkey’s Aselsan for the supply of electro-optical systems for the drones and with Roketsan for weapons systems, including those integrated into the Akinci drone.
Aselsan stated that both parties would cooperate in developing electro-optical surveillance, targeting systems, guidance kits, and smart bombs used by Baykar drones.
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