Saudi Arabia Eyes Turkish Kaan Stealth Jets, Trump Administration Concerned as MBS Holds Firm

Riyadh/Washington: Saudi Arabia has recently taken steps to strengthen defense ties with Turkey and Pakistan, signaling a diversification of its military procurement beyond its traditional partnership with the United States. Talks are reportedly underway for Saudi Arabia to purchase Turkish Kaan stealth fighter jets, raising concerns in Washington about potential losses in the U.S. arms market.

The Trump administration has sought to ensure Saudi Arabia continues to buy F-35 warplanes from the U.S., emphasizing its benefits over foreign alternatives. During a White House meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) in November, Donald Trump had reaffirmed this stance. While Riyadh has assured Washington that it will not acquire JF-17 fighter jets from Pakistan, there is no guarantee it will halt its interest in Turkey’s fifth-generation Kaan jets.

U.S. officials have highlighted the advantages of American jets, including the F-15, Eurofighter Typhoon, and F-35, but Saudi Arabia remains undeterred. Hesham Alghanem, Director General of Saudi Arabia’s National Security Program, told Middle East Eye that Saudi interest in the Kaan jets is about exploring options, not moving away from the U.S., emphasizing that no country can replace the U.S. as a primary defense partner.

Defense experts note that Saudi Arabia could still acquire both U.S. F-35s and Turkish Kaan jets, citing tactical and strategic reasons, including rising tensions with the UAE. While the Trump administration views foreign jet deals as competitive, Riyadh’s moves are primarily aimed at diversifying options without severing ties with Washington.