UAE Eyes Turkiye’s KAAN: A substitute for the F-35?

With efforts to secure the American platform stalled, Abu Dhabi has increasingly turned its attention to other options, most notably Turkiye’s KAAN fifth-generation fighter program.

The note provides a comprehensive overview of the following aspects:

• The strategic objectives behind the Emirati interest in the program
• Emirati conditions to join the program
• Emirati entities to be involved
• Turkiye’s views on Emirati involvement

The note also mentions the impact of Emirati participation in the KAAN program on the procurement of the F-35.