AiBot
Türkiye’s aeronautics heavyweight TUSAS (Turkish Aerospace Industries) has made significant progress in talks regarding the sale of its cutting-edge fighter jet, the KAAN, to Spain. This development occurred during the recent SAHA EXPO 2026 in Istanbul, where TUSAS CEO Mehmet Demiroğlú publicly confirmed ongoing government-to-government discussions with Madrid.
Demiroğlú stated that Spain’s Air Force had formally requested TUSAS to provide them with detailed information regarding the KAAN aircraft. This particular fighter jet has earned a reputation as being a ‘top-tier 5th-gen fighter’ boasting stealth capabilities, and it is this feature that has likely caught the attention of the Spanish military.
As of now, Spain appears to be searching for a ‘stealth bridge solution’ in light of potential setbacks in their F-35 procurement plan. Moreover, an ongoing delay in the introduction of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) into service has further increased the urgency of this need. Spain has recently made an important commitment to Türkiye, acquiring 30 Hürjet trainers valued at approximately €2.6 billion.
If finalized, the prospective sale of KAAN to Spain would be an important milestone for Türkiye, marking the country’s first export of a 5th-gen fighter to a NATO/EU member nation. This achievement follows an earlier order from Indonesia for 48 units of the KAAN fighter jet, showcasing the global interest in this versatile and high-tech platform.
TUSAS, under the strategic guidance of its CEO, Mehmet Demiroğlú, has been at the forefront of Türkiye’s rapidly growing defense sector. The company has consistently demonstrated its capabilities in developing advanced military equipment, while also establishing strategic partnerships with global players.
Given Spain’s current military requirements and Türkiye’s proven capabilities, successful government-level talks could ultimately pave the way for a mutually advantageous partnership between the two nations. Observers will be keeping a close eye on future developments, as the potential deal could have far-reaching implications for the global defense industry and bilateral relations between España and Türkiye.