Spain Reportedly Weighs Turkish KAAN Fighter as Alternative to US F-35

Spain is reportedly considering the acquisition of Turkey’s next-generation KAAN fighter jet after shelving its plans to buy US-made F-35s earlier this year. According to Spanish newspaper El Economista, Madrid’s growing defense cooperation with Ankara has led to discussions about adopting the Turkish-built stealth aircraft as an interim solution while awaiting Europe’s own future fighter program.

Spain dropped its F-35 purchase plan in August, favoring European-made platforms such as the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). However, with the FCAS not expected to enter service until the 2040s, defense officials are said to be exploring alternative options to maintain the country’s air capabilities through the 2030s. The KAAN, which Turkey aims to operationalize by that time, has emerged as one such candidate.

The report links Spain’s interest to a series of recent defense collaborations with Turkey. Turkish defense firms had a major presence at the Madrid Defense Fair in May, and in July, Spain finalized a deal to purchase Turkey’s Hürjet training aircraft, strengthening bilateral defense ties. These developments have reportedly encouraged Madrid to evaluate Turkey’s growing aerospace industry as a viable partner.

Spain’s decision to move away from the F-35 program was influenced by several strategic and economic factors. Rising program costs, the controversial presence of a “kill switch” system in the aircraft, and political tensions over Washington’s push for NATO allies to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP all contributed to the decision. Similar debates over the cost and control of the F-35 have emerged in Switzerland, Portugal, and Canada, delaying or complicating their respective procurement efforts.

Turkey’s KAAN project, led by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), began in 2016 as a replacement for the Turkish Air Force’s aging F-16 fleet. The program accelerated after Turkey’s removal from the F-35 project in 2019, a consequence of its acquisition of the Russian S-400 air defense system. The KAAN completed its first flight in February 2024, marking a significant milestone in Turkey’s ambitions to become a producer of advanced combat aircraft.

With a 20-meter twin-engine design, 10-ton payload capacity, and stealth features, the KAAN is positioned as a capable fifth-generation platform. Turkish Aerospace claims that it can outperform the F-35 in certain areas, citing its larger payload and twin-engine configuration, which is designed to enhance speed, range, and survivability.

Turkey plans to introduce the aircraft into service by the early 2030s, with exports already drawing interest from several nations. Indonesia is expected to acquire 48 KAANs, while Saudi Arabia has reportedly shown interest in purchasing up to 100 units.

However, one of the key challenges facing the program is its dependence on US-made engines, which require approval from the US Congress for export. The delay in clearance poses a risk to production timelines and foreign sales. Turkey is therefore working to develop an indigenous powerplant to secure long-term independence for the platform.

If Spain moves forward with the KAAN, it would represent a notable shift in Europe’s defense procurement trends, signaling greater openness to non-Western suppliers amid concerns over cost, technology access, and strategic autonomy. For Madrid, the Turkish jet could provide an effective stopgap solution until the FCAS becomes available, while reinforcing a broader push to diversify its defense partnerships within and beyond Europe.