Indonesia’s KAAN Partnership: A Launchpad for Sixth-Generation Fighters

Indonesia’s involvement in Turkey’s stealth fighter jet program, KAAN, goes beyond mere procurement or limited technology transfer. It could serve as a gateway to developing a sixth-generation fighter in the future. This is entirely feasible if Indonesia successfully integrates the knowledge gained from its collaboration with South Korea on the KFX/KF-21 program and its partnership with Turkey on KAAN.

Both the KF-21 and KAAN are classified as 4.5++ generation fighters featuring stealth capabilities, advanced avionics, and sophisticated weapon systems. In terms of performance and design, they share similarities in airframe structure, electronics, and modular upgrade frameworks. If Indonesia is able to domestically produce both platforms, it would possess two powerful knowledge sources as a foundation for its next leap in fighter technology.

Indonesia has already demonstrated maturity in aircraft manufacturing, especially in constructing both civilian and military airframes. Should the KAAN blueprint be shared and the KF-21 blueprints follow, Indonesian engineers would then have access to two critical platforms upon which a sixth-generation fighter can be designed—spanning aerodynamics, sensor integration, and AI-enabled systems.

The merging of insights from both Turkish and Korean fighter projects presents a golden opportunity. Both aircraft are designed with modular “open architecture,” allowing for continuous upgrades. If Indonesia becomes an active co-developer or producer, its national engineering capabilities could progress significantly toward future combat systems.

To move toward a sixth-generation aircraft, Indonesia must focus its R&D on several key technologies: loyal wingman drones like the domestically developed i-22 Sikatan, AI-driven avionics, advanced stealth, directed energy weapons, and combat cloud capabilities. These features can only be built on a solid base of 4.5-generation platforms like KAAN and KF-21, paving the way toward an indigenous LFX (Indonesian future fighter) project once envisioned by LAPAN (now BRIN).

Indonesian engineers must take the initiative to learn and internalize these technologies, not merely participate in assembly processes. South Korea has already opened parts of the KF-21 design to Indonesia, and Turkey may do the same with KAAN through joint production. Any delay in responding could result in lost opportunities to lay the groundwork for sixth-generation capabilities.

One practical step would be to establish a special task force under the Ministry of Defense or BRIN tasked with consolidating findings from both KAAN and KF-21 collaborations. This team could begin drafting a framework for Indonesia’s future fighter system. The airframe structure of KAAN could serve as a base, while avionics and electronic warfare systems from the KF-21 could be integrated.

It’s worth noting that countries like the UK, Japan, and Italy have begun developing sixth-generation jets using prior-generation platforms. Thus, Indonesia—leveraging two distinct collaborative pathways—could feasibly follow a similar trajectory, at least in creating a hybrid model with autonomous drone capabilities, AESA radar, and all-aspect stealth.

If Indonesia manages to fully assemble both KAAN and KF-21 on home soil, it would become the only non-NATO country operating two semi-stealth fighter jets from two distinct strategic poles. This would be immensely valuable in comparative technological analysis and future design decision-making.

Transitioning from 4.5 to sixth-generation jets is no small leap. But with a long-term roadmap and optimal partnerships with Turkey and South Korea, Indonesia can begin this journey by mastering airframe production, weapon integration systems, and developing combat software in-house.

Historically, one of Indonesia’s main hurdles has been limited access to jet engines and electronic systems. However, embedding more Indonesian engineers into the design and manufacturing processes of KAAN and KF-21 would enable organic skill transfer. A new generation of aircraft designers could emerge through direct experience rather than classroom training alone.

Indonesia should also consider forming a new defense consortium, akin to what was done for the N-250 aircraft, but this time focused on combat aircraft development. PTDI, LEN, Pindad, BRIN, and top engineering universities should all be involved. The Ministry of Defense would play a critical role as both the operational client and strategic planner.

If these steps are taken, within the next 10 to 15 years, Indonesia could unveil a new-generation fighter prototype, developed entirely by domestic talent but based on knowledge from the KAAN and KF-21 programs. Even if not a full-fledged sixth-generation aircraft, it could represent a "5.5 generation" fighter optimized for Southeast Asia’s needs.

Government policy must also support this ambition through dedicated defense R&D funding. A sovereign aerospace research fund should be established to support long-term simulations, aerodynamic testing, and radar development.

With strategic planning and strong political will, Indonesia has a rare opportunity not just to become a producer of combat aircraft but to emerge as a leader in sixth-generation fighter development—anchored by the dual foundation of KAAN and KF-21. This potential is too valuable to ignore, especially as technology doors begin opening from two major partner nations.

Lessons from China and Japan’s Sixth-Generation Ambitions

As Indonesia paves its way toward advanced air combat systems, it’s instructive to observe how China and Japan are preparing their own sixth-generation fighter programs. Both nations are rapidly developing key capabilities that Indonesia must study and adapt.

China’s sixth-generation program is believed to be spearheaded by the Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, the same entity behind the J-20 stealth fighter. Reports suggest China is aiming for a fighter with full stealth, AI-assisted flight control, directed-energy weapons, and the ability to control swarms of drones.

China is aggressively testing technologies such as “adaptive cycle engines” that can switch between fuel efficiency and high performance. This is crucial for sixth-gen aircraft which must maintain supercruise speed while minimizing heat signatures.

AI integration is also a central focus in China. Fighter aircraft are expected to handle complex decision-making autonomously, particularly in contested electromagnetic environments where pilot bandwidth is limited and communication may be jammed.

Drone teaming is another pillar of China’s approach. China has tested multiple “loyal wingman” UAVs that will accompany manned jets to serve as decoys, surveillance assets, or even kamikaze drones. This swarm-based doctrine represents a leap beyond current-generation tactics.

In Japan, the F-X program, also known as the “Future Fighter,” is being developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries with strong support from the Japanese government. It is intended to replace the F-2 fighter by the mid-2030s.

Japan’s approach focuses on stealth, high maneuverability, and advanced networking. The F-X is expected to incorporate large internal weapon bays, high-powered radar, and multi-domain connectivity to command drones and ground forces simultaneously.

What sets Japan apart is its emphasis on domestic innovation. The country has committed to designing the F-X almost entirely using homegrown technologies, supported by its Industrial Production Base Security Policy.

Japan is also working closely with the UK and Italy under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), sharing development responsibilities for sensors, engines, and electronics. This trilateral effort is expected to accelerate technology readiness levels across the board.

Furthermore, Japan has invested in high-energy microwave and laser systems, aiming to field future fighters with anti-drone or missile defense capabilities. These technologies could redefine close-range combat.

Both China and Japan recognize that the sixth-generation era will be defined by digital supremacy—dominating the electromagnetic spectrum, cybersecurity, and information warfare. Indonesia, if it wishes to compete, must invest early in these digital capabilities.

Indonesia’s comparative advantage could lie in hybridizing Eastern and Western technology, leveraging its KAAN and KF-21 knowledge to build a fighter optimized for maritime and archipelagic defense. This niche could set it apart.

As the race for sixth-gen fighters accelerates globally, Indonesia’s future will depend on how quickly it transforms from a buyer into a systems integrator—and eventually, a creator. Time is short, but opportunity is open.

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