The aircraft will be used for multi-role military and security missions. The Tunisian military expands its rotary wing fleet of 39 Bell aircraft, including Bell UH-1s, 205s and OH-58s.

“The Bell 412 is one of the most trusted platforms globally, and we are honored to support the Tunisian Air Force as it expands its fleet with this proven and versatile aircraft,” said Tim Evans, Managing Director for Middle East and Africa, Bell. “The SUBARU Bell 412EPX has been gaining momentum as an international military platform, we’re thrilled to bring it to the Middle East and Africa region with the Tunisian Air Force.”

Signed during the Indo Defence Expo and Forum held in Jakarta in June 2025, the agreement includes technology transfer and domestic production collaboration, potentially transforming Indonesia’s aerospace ecosystem.

GlobalData’s latest Fleet Size dashboard reveals that Indonesia operates a diverse fleet of fixed-wing military aircraft, the majority of which are aging fourth-generation platforms. The induction of the KAAN stealth fighters is expected to significantly lower the average fleet age and enhance the Indonesian Air Force’s deterrence capabilities, particularly in the face of evolving fifth-generation aerial threats from adversarial forces in the Indo-Pacific region.

As of June 2025, the countries with operational fifth-generation fighter aircraft include the US, China, and Russia. Meanwhile, India, South Korea, and Türkiye are pursuing their own stealth fighter programmes, with India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae, and Türkiye’s KAAN representing national aspirations to enter the elite fifth-generation club.

Harpreet Sidhu, Aerospace and Defence Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Indonesia’s KAAN acquisition demonstrates a strategic intent to leapfrog into fifth-generation capabilities while developing its indigenous defence industrial base. In addition to a set supply schedule, the agreement with Türkiye incorporates technology transfer and the use of Indonesian production lines, both of which are essential components of long-term self-reliance.”

Indonesia is also engaging with South Korea in procuring another combat aircraft of a similar category, namely the KF-21 Boramae. Recently, Indonesia has reduced its financial and technical commitment to South Korea's KF-21 Boramae program. Initially expected to fund 20% of the development cost (around $1.2 billion), Indonesia has now revised its remaining commitment to approximately $440 million, having so far invested $290 million. Though Indonesia still aims to acquire 50 KF-21 fighters, the decrease in funding signals a more limited involvement in the programme than originally planned.

Sidhu added: “The concurrent signing of the KAAN agreement with Türkiye introduces new variables into Indonesia’s fighter jet roadmap. With a defence budget still under 1% of its GDP, it’s becoming harder to see how the country can realistically fund two major fighter programmes at once. This dual-track strategy could reshape Indonesia’s broader defence procurement and industrial participation ambitions.”

Sidhu concludes: “The KAAN program has the potential to become a competitive alternative to Chinese and American fifth-generation fighters in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) defence market if it is expanded and bolstered by efficient diplomacy and industrial cooperation. Over the next ten years, it is anticipated that the spread of stealth technology will reshape aerial combat doctrines, regional alliances, and defence supply networks as tensions continue throughout Asia and the rest of the world.

“Indonesia, by diversifying its fighter fleet and participating in multiple international programmes, positions itself as a key player in the region with formidable air power. However, its long-term influence will depend on consistent investment, clearer strategic alignment, and the ability to balance ambitions with budgetary realities.”

The establishment of a subsidiary in India aims at strengthening its interests across defence, commercial aviation, business aviation, services & support and the burgeoning urban air mobility sector. Embraer is working on growing its team in the country, building capacity to capitalise on the opportunities within the country’s ever-evolving aerospace and defence industry. This includes establishing teams across corporate functions and specialised cells focused on procurement, supply chain and engineering.

“India is a key market for Embraer, and this expansion demonstrates our unwavering commitment to the country,” said Francisco Gomes Neto, President & CEO of Embraer. “We are excited to deepen our collaboration with the Indian aerospace and defence industry, leveraging our expertise and technology to contribute to the nation’s growth and Make in India campaign. We see significant opportunities across defence, commercial aviation, business aviation, services & support, and the emerging urban air mobility sector.”

Embraer is significantly deepening its engagement in India. The company has a substantial footprint with nearly 50 Embraer aircraft and 11 aircraft types currently operating in the country - from commercial aviation, defence and business aviation, all supported by Embraer’s service and support network in the country.

The agreement supports the UAE’s vision to boost local manufacturing and develop national defence capabilities.

This reflects Thales’ commitment to supporting the UAE’s vision of advancing manufacturing capabilities through innovation and industrial excellence.

The Ground Master radars are recognised for their reliability, superior performance, mobility, and adaptability to diverse missions, positioning them amongst the world’s leading air surveillance and defence systems. The facility is scheduled to be fully operational by 2027, where it will assemble, test, and qualify advanced air surveillance radars to meet both domestic and export market needs.

This factory will serve as a strategic asset, bolstering the UAE’s defence manufacturing capabilities, enhancing self-sufficiency in critical technologies, and providing flexibility to address varying operational requirements.

Thales said it places localisation at the heart of its growth strategy through advanced training programmes and sustainable professional career development, building specialised local expertise in advanced radar technologies in support of the UAE’s National Defence Strategy and its vision of a highly capable, future-ready national workforce. As the project is not only focused on building the radar system, but also on qualifying domestic suppliers, it further contributes to strengthening the national industrial base and promoting long-term self-reliance.

Matar Ali Al Romaithi, sector chief of defence and Security Industry Affairs at Tawazun Council, said: “The expansion of Thales’ Radar Centre of Excellence reflects the strength of the UAE’s defence industrial strategy and its regional leadership in advanced technologies. This initiative enhances national capabilities in air surveillance radar systems while creating significant opportunities for local companies to grow, innovate, and compete globally.”

Hervé Dammann, executive vice-president, land and air systems said: “Thales is proud to contribute to the growth of the UAE’s industrial defence ecosystem by advancing local capabilities, in-line with the national vision. The expansion of our Radar Centre of Excellence, through the establishment of a new production facility, marks a major milestone – from integration, testing, manufacturing to lifecycle support. This investment reinforces the UAE’s sovereignty in critical defence technologies, strengthens the national supply chain, embarks UAE talents and deepens local expertise in advanced radar systems.”

The agreement marks a milestone in building a digital bridge between Türkiye and Malaysia in both public and private sectors.

This collaboration enables Havelsan to introduce its indigenous digital transformation platform, Kovan New Generation Business Management System, and artificial intelligence (AI)-driven technologies to the Malaysian market. Simultaneously, DNeX’s expertise in trade facilitation, AI applications, and logistics will be leveraged to generate value across various Turkish industries.

Through this partnership, the synergy between Havelsan’s AI capabilities and DNeX’s commercial AI applications will drive the development of next-generation digital solutions tailored to the needs of both nations.

Dr. Mehmet Akif Nacar, CEO of Havelsan, said: “Digital transformation directly impacts national competitiveness and security. This strategic partnership with DNeX is a significant step in sharing Türkiye’s digital experience with friendly and allied nations. Our flagship products like Kovan, alongside our AI projects, will deliver tangible value to Malaysia’s digital infrastructure.”

Faizal Sham Abu Mansor, Group CEO of DNeX, added: “Building upon its robust technology foundations in trade facilitation, semiconductor manufacturing, AI solutions, and upstream energy, DNeX is strategically collaborating with Havelsan. By integrating Havelsan 's internationally recognised expertise, including their defence-grade enterprise systems and AI-embedded smart solutions, DNeX aims to significantly advance digital transformation across Malaysia's public and private sectors, fostering innovation and strengthening the economic partnership between Türkiye and Malaysia.”