Selangor Journal
A TAI Kaan fighter jet by Turkish Aerospace Industries in Ankara, Turkiye, on March 17, 2023. — Picture via WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Turkiye KAAN fighter jet offer to boost Malaysia’s air defence

KUALA LUMPUR, May 6 — Turkiye is prepared to work with Malaysia on joint defence projects for mutual benefit and is ready to offer its fifth generation ‘KAAN’ fighter jet to help fulfil Malaysia’s air defence requirements.

Secretary of Turkish Defence Industries Prof Haluk Gorgun said by joining forces, Malaysia could gain access to cutting-edge technology and expertise, accelerating its own defence capabilities and fostering the growth of its indigenous defence industry.

In an email interview with Bernama in anticipation of the three-day Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security (Natsec) Asia 2024 exhibitions (May 6 to May 9) in Kuala Lumpur, he highlighted the reciprocal benefits of such a partnership.

“We are open to cooperating with Malaysia, a friendly and brotherly country, in development projects, including the ‘KAAN’ Project,” which Turkiye has already initiated. We are also open to sharing the experience we gained from the New Generation Basic Trainer Aircraft HURKUS and HURJET Jet Aircraft with Malaysia.

“Turkiye, on the other hand, could benefit from Malaysia’s contributions in areas such as research and development, manufacturing capabilities, and regional knowledge,” he said, expressing optimism on the positive impact this cooperation would have on bilateral ties and regional security.

Gorgun said Turkiye and Malaysia have successfully collaborated on direct procurement projects, co-production endeavours, and Technology Transfer (ToT) activities across various platforms and subsystems.

This exceptional partnership is exemplified by land vehicle projects like ADNAN and Gempita, led by FNSS, radar, weapon systems, command and control initiatives guided by Aselsan, and armoured vehicle deliveries facilitated by NUROL.

Elaborating further, he said as a multirole fighter jet, the ‘KAAN’ is adept at conducting diverse missions, including air-to-air combat, air-to-ground strikes, reconnaissance and electronic warfare, providing Malaysia with versatile options to address various security challenges.

“The KAAN’s interoperability with NATO systems and potential for technology transfer present opportunities for Malaysia to seamlessly integrate the aircraft into its defence infrastructure through collaboration with Turkiye.

“Overall, investing in the KAAN would significantly enhance Malaysia’s air superiority, strengthen bilateral defence ties, and contribute to regional security and stability in Southeast Asia,” Gorgun said.

On February 21, the 13-minute maiden test flight of Turkiye’s first homegrown fifth-generation fighter jet ‘KAAN’ had made a splash among worldwide media outlets.

Much of the international media reported that the successful completion of the maiden flight was “a major step forward for Turkiye’s efforts to develop its fifth-generation fighter”.

‘KAAN’ was also reported as the result of over a decade of effort from the Turkish Air Force, and the country aims ‘KAAN’ to “eventually replace” the country’s F-16 fleet.

Turkiye is one of only five countries in the world that can independently develop and produce fifth-generation fighter jets, joining the United States (US), Russia, China, and South Korea.

Meanwhile, on DSA and Natsec, Gorgun said the international gathering will be a great platform for the mutual exchange of ideas between the two countries and for negotiating the joint works that can be carried out.

Turkiye has achieved significant successes in its region in operations carried out using only domestic ammunition, with the support of UAVs and UCAVs in particular, and has altered the balance of power in the Mediterranean Region with its Navy and Air Force.

“The biggest factor in our participation in DSA 2024 is to show the point we have reached to Asia and to give the message that Turkiye is one of the main actors in the defence industry and ready to collaborate with Malaysia

“I think DSA 2024 will be a great platform for mutual exchange of ideas between the two countries and for negotiating on the joint works that can be carried out.

“Within the defence industry cooperation meetings that will be carried out, 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 said.

Turkiye’s defence industry has become one of the nation’s most prominent contributors to the country’s economy, with over 3,500 companies and 80,000 employees.

Accordingly, more than 850 projects and related activities have been launched, leading to a defence industry turnover of US$12 billion (RM56.6 billion), R&D expenditures in excess of US$2 billion (RM9.44 billion), and a record annual export figure of US$5.5 billion (RM25.96 billion).

Once again this year, Türkiye emerged as the largest contingent at the 2024 DSA and NATSEC Exhibition with nearly 70 companies, including Aselsan, Canik, Dearsan Shipyard, and Turkish Aerospace Industries.

— Bernama

 

Top Picks

Implementation date, mechanism for targeted diesel subsidy out soon — PM

Stepping over grave for content, PM’s Dept to refer to Jakim

Ringgit top performer among 10 regional currencies as of mid-May

Editor Selangor Journal