We're open to collaboration with Malaysia on KAAN, Gorgun says
Haluk Gorgun, the president of the Defense Industry, stated his willingness to cooperate with Malaysia on the KAAN project
In an interview with Malaysia's news agency Bernama, Haluk Gorgun, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), expressed his willingness to collaborate with Malaysia, a friendly and fraternal nation, on defense projects, including KAAN, that Türkiye initiated.
He stated that Türkiye is willing to engage in defense project partnerships with Malaysia and is prepared to exchange knowledge gained from projects such as the advanced training aircraft Hurkus and the jet training and light attack aircraft Hurjet. Through this partnership, Gorgun highlighted that Türkiye can leverage Malaysia's research and development, manufacturing capabilities, and regional expertise.
Gorgun emphasized that KAAN's versatility as a multi-role combat aircraft enables it to engage in aerial combat, air-to-ground attacks, reconnaissance, and electronic warfare. This wide range of capabilities provides Malaysia with various strategic options. He stated that KAAN's interoperability with NATO systems and its potential for technology transfer present opportunities for smooth integration into Malaysia's defense infrastructure through collaboration with Türkiye.
Gorgun highlighted that allocating resources to invest in KAAN would greatly bolster Malaysia's aerial dominance, reinforce bilateral defense connections, and make a valuable contribution to regional security and stability in Southeast Asia. He expressed that Türkiye's active involvement in Defence Service Asia (DSA) Exhibition 2024 aims to showcase their advancements in Asia and emphasize that Türkiye is a significant contributor to the defense industry and is prepared to cooperate with Malaysia.
Future defense industry collaboration meetings, according to Gorgun, will concentrate on identifying joint production topics that meet the needs of the Malaysian forces and establish strategic directions accordingly.
Source: Newsroom
