President Erdoğan signals a "KAAN" partnership with Saudi Arabia: It could happen at any moment.

05.02.2026 13:31

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered questions about current issues on the plane returning from his visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. Erdoğan signaled a partnership in the "KAAN" fighter jet project with Saudi Arabia, stating, "KAAN is a symbol of Turkey's engineering capability and independent defense will. We have received many positive feedback regarding KAAN. Moreover, there is a joint investment in this matter with Saudi Arabia. We can realize this joint investment at any moment."

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan answered journalists' questions on the plane returning from his visits to Saudi Arabia and Egypt.

Responding to a question about Saudi Arabia's interest in the national combat aircraft KAAN, Erdoğan announced that there is a possibility of joint investment in the defense industry. Erdoğan stated, "KAAN is not just a fighter jet; KAAN is a symbol of Turkey's engineering capability and independent defense will. We have received many positive feedback regarding KAAN. As we gain more influence in this field globally, such collaborations will definitely increase. Moreover, there is a possibility of joint investment with Saudi Arabia on this matter. We can realize this joint investment at any moment."

VISITS TO SAUDI ARABIA AND EGYPT

Before the questions, President Erdoğan made a general assessment. Erdoğan's evaluations are as follows:

We have completed our visit to Saudi Arabia and Egypt. We had extraordinarily beneficial meetings with the leaders and delegations of both countries. We addressed our bilateral relations comprehensively in all aspects. As leading countries in our region, we consulted on current developments, particularly regarding Palestine and Syria, with a 'regional ownership' approach. In Saudi Arabia, our first stop, we had a productive meeting with Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman.

Subsequently, we held our inter-delegation meeting. We signed four documents and accepted the joint statement. As you know, Saudi Arabia is a brother country with a special position for us in areas such as defense industry, transportation, health, investments, and contracting services. Our trade volume has steadily increased, reaching 8 billion dollars by 2025. Our contractors have undertaken more than 400 projects in Saudi Arabia, with a total value of 30 billion dollars. In a country preparing for major organizations like EXPO-2030 and FIFA 2034 World Cup, there are numerous opportunities for us to evaluate. Additionally, we are witnessing a significant interest from Saudi citizens towards our country.

We were also in Cairo to hold the Second Meeting of the Turkey-Egypt High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council at the invitation of Egyptian President Mr. Abdelfattah el-Sisi. We held the first meeting of our council in Ankara in September 2024. Our discussions focused significantly on our bilateral trade and economic relations. We signed a total of 8 documents, including a joint declaration.

Business forums were organized in both Riyadh and Cairo with the participation of business circles from both countries. We also consulted with Mr. Sisi on issues concerning our region, particularly the Gaza peace process. We worked together with Egypt and Saudi Arabia to halt Israel's attacks on Gaza. We collaborated in the process leading to the ceasefire agreement. Today, we are in close dialogue to facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza. Egypt's support is crucial in coordinating humanitarian aid being delivered from Turkey to Gaza. Unfortunately, the Israeli government continues to target civilians. Since October 11, more than 500 Gazans have been martyred by Israel. There are still serious restrictions and problems regarding the entry of humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza. However, despite all of Israel's provocations and violations, the first phase of the Gaza peace plan has been completed. It has once again become clear who is for peace and who is for war.

As Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, we aim to be involved in all processes to protect the rights of our Palestinian brothers. I would like to express my gratitude to the authorities of both countries for the hospitality shown to me and my delegation during our visits. I hope our visit will be a harbinger of good for our countries, thank you."

"JOINT INVESTMENT WITH SAUDI ARABIA REGARDING KAAN IS ON THE TABLE"

"We have recently seen a positive momentum in our bilateral relations with Saudi Arabia. One of these areas of bilateral relations is the defense industry. So far, many cooperation projects and agreements have been signed in the defense industry, especially regarding unmanned aerial vehicles. Now, claims and news are emerging about Saudi Arabia's interest in our national combat aircraft KAAN. Is there such an intention? In this context, could there be a cooperation project with Saudi Arabia regarding our national fighter jet KAAN?" In response to this question, President Erdoğan said:

We have deep-rooted relations with Saudi Arabia that have cultural and historical dimensions. To develop this, we signed important agreements during this visit. The progress our country has made in the defense industry is being followed with interest by Saudi Arabia, just like the rest of the world. We are primarily focused on meeting our own needs in the defense industry. At the same time, we are making efforts to meet the needs of our friends and brothers. We are signing important collaborations in the defense industry with Saudi Arabia and are determined to develop this further. KAAN is not just a fighter jet; KAAN is a symbol of Turkey's engineering capability and independent defense will. We have received many positive feedback regarding KAAN. As we gain more influence in this field globally, such collaborations will definitely increase. Moreover, there is a possibility of joint investment with Saudi Arabia on this matter. We can realize this joint investment at any moment.

AGREEMENTS IN THE ENERGY FIELD WITH SAUDI ARABIA

"It has been reflected to us that you have signed very important agreements in the energy field with Saudi Arabia. The figures have also been reflected, but we are curious about the full scope, sir, and what it means?" In response to this question, President Erdoğan said:

"During our visit, an important agreement was signed between our Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Energy in the field of renewable energy. Saudi companies will build solar and wind power plants with a total capacity of 5,000 megawatts in Turkey. In the first phase, solar power plants with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts will be built in Sivas and Karaman. The investments will be realized through external financing and international loans.

IRAN-US MAGAZINE: IT WILL LEAD THE REGION TO DISASTER

In response to the question, "After the start of the Iran-US tension, you had meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump, and a process began. What is the current state of this process?" President Erdoğan said:

"First of all, we are doing our best to reduce the tension between America and Iran without dragging the region into a new conflict or chaos. For that reason, as you know, I had a meeting with US President Donald Trump, and I met with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian the very next day. We also held a trilateral meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Istanbul, together with my Foreign Minister. We are keeping the issue warm. We have clearly stated our opposition to military intervention in Iran and communicated this to our counterparts. So far, I see that both sides want to open up to diplomacy. This stands before us as a positive development. The way to solve problems is not through conflicts, but by finding common ground for reconciliation and negotiation. The process is alive and has not been severed. The ground is still open for dialogue and diplomacy. I believe that after progress is made in lower-level meetings, negotiations at the leaders' level will also be beneficial. It is also important that a negotiation table is somehow established while military tension has increased so much. We hope that problems will be resolved through dialogue and that a new conflict will not arise in our region. We will work to strengthen the negotiation ground through both leader diplomacy and meetings at other levels. We will see how much this ground expands and whether other countries will get involved."

In response to the question, "Especially with Saudi Arabia, which is coming to the forefront due to your visit today, the overall approach of Gulf countries towards Iran seemed a bit more pro-American in previous years. Now they seem to be closer to your policies, Turkey's policies. How do you evaluate today's policies?" President Erdoğan said:

"First of all, we do not want a new war in our region. I have always expressed this clearly, and I continue to do so. Saudi Arabia is also affected by the conflicts in this region. They also want peace, tranquility, and common sense to prevail in our region. Our sensitivities generally overlap. Everyone knows that the peace, tranquility, and stability that will be fully established in our region will benefit us all. In a geography where conflicts, blood, and tears prevail, everyone definitely loses. Therefore, it is the most rational option for all of us to be on the side of peace. I believe that the countries in the region have clearly seen the conflictual processes experienced in recent years and that they support our stance. It is high time to break free from the circle of fire surrounding us and to extinguish the burning fires. Common sense is the common ground here. Looking at this issue solely from a military perspective will lead the region to disaster. Fanning the flames further will benefit no one. Our region has had enough of blood, tears, and wars. Now, we want to talk about peace and tranquility and increase cooperation. Problems will always exist; disagreements are a part of international relations. But diplomacy exists for this purpose. We must also strengthen peaceful diplomacy. This is vital for both our country's and our region's interests."

WHAT ROLE WILL TURKEY PLAY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GAZA PEACE PLAN?

"What role will Turkey play in the implementation of the Gaza peace plan? Where does it stand compared to the beginning? What is Turkey's intention in this regard? You also mentioned that since the 20-point peace plan in Sharm el-Sheikh, Israel has continued its attacks, obstructing and sabotaging aid since October. What is the assessment of both Turkey and the other countries involved in the peace plan regarding Israel during this process?" In response, President Erdoğan said:

"Turkey will play an active role in ensuring that the Gaza peace plan is implemented as it should and in re-establishing peace and stability in Gaza. We want our Palestinian brothers in Gaza to reach the dignified future and lasting peace they deserve. We are in favor of establishing peace not just on paper but on the ground. One does not need to be a Muslim to oppose the atrocities and genocidal practices occurring in Gaza, and the use of hunger as a weapon. Our stance primarily preserves the fundamental values of humanity. Of course, our historical and cultural ties with our Palestinian brothers also influence this attitude. However, trying to present this as a blind opposition would distort the essence of the issue.

If Muslims had committed similar atrocities in another geography, we would stand firmly against them just as we do today. Haven't we been saying for years, 'We do not look at the language, religion, belief, or skin color of the oppressed'? This is our classic stance. Steps to be taken for ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the protection of civilians need to be implemented as soon as possible. Turkey is making great efforts to ensure these.

DO EGYPT'S APPROACHES COINCIDE WITH TURKEY'S VIEWS?

"Do Egypt's approaches in the search for a solution to the Gaza issue coincide with Turkey's views? Because consensus among guarantor countries is important for suppressing Israel. For example, what does Egypt foresee regarding the transfer of governance in Gaza?" In response, President Erdoğan said:

"Egypt is one of the countries that feels the effects of the atrocities in Gaza most closely. We have seen and know that Egypt does not want the Gaza and Palestinian issue to deepen any further. The region cannot bear a new fire. The Egyptian administration is also very aware of this. The systematic instability that Israel has created in the region for years has also worn Egypt down over time. Egypt wants the end of these conflicts and the peace of Palestine just as much as we do. They have loudly opposed the use of hunger as a weapon and the expulsion of Palestinians from their lands, and they continue to do so. Egypt's position is critical. Due to its geographical location and historical responsibility, it is an important actor in the fate of Gaza.

For these reasons, ensuring stability in Gaza and throughout Palestine is also in Egypt's interest. The efforts they have made for the entry of humanitarian aid from Rafah into Gaza and the organization of aid are commendable. I believe that together we will ensure that peace prevails in Gaza again and that Gaza is rebuilt."Israel's endless attacks and ceasefire violations are absolutely unacceptable. We call on the international community to pressure Israel for full compliance with the ceasefire. We continue to work day and night for our Palestinian brothers to reach the happy days they deserve and to be the voice of the oppressed. "

THE FINAL POINT REACHED IN SYRIA

"How do you evaluate the final point reached in Syria? Could these recent developments bring a new momentum to the 'Terror-Free Turkey' project in Turkey? Do you have a call to the Parliament in this regard?" In response to this question, President Erdoğan said:

"Establishing stability and peace in northern Syria directly concerns us. Our greatest desire is for our neighbor to unify under a single state, a single army, and a single understanding of Syria. Compliance with the agreements signed by the structure called "SDF" will strengthen the climate of peace in Syria and facilitate lasting stability. No one should even think about fueling conflicts, escalating tensions, or playing for time. The wrong calculations have turned back from both Damascus and Ankara until today. Undoubtedly, they will turn back again. We are in favor of a Syria that is one, whole, strong, and peaceful in all its colors. We stand by Syria. We embrace everyone with love, regardless of whether they are Kurdish, Arab, Turkmen, or Nusayri. The people of Syria are our friends and brothers. Our problem is with terrorism. It is with those who use terrorism as a means and method to achieve their separatist ambitions. With the resolution of the problem in northern Syria, the burden of the "Terror-Free Turkey" process has also lightened. The commission in the Parliament is working to finalize its joint report. Our hope is that the report will be marked by a perspective that will bring dynamism to the consensus and the process. Our goal of a "Terror-Free Turkey" is moving towards a terror-free region with the steps we are taking, and hopefully, we will reach both goals smoothly. "

"IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A DEEP HUMANITARIAN DRAMA IN THE EARTHQUAKE ZONE"

"In two days, it will be the third anniversary of the disaster of the century. Since the day of the disaster, the opposition has been displaying a negative picture. In the last few days, Özgür Özel, who has been in the earthquake zone, has shown the same attitude again. You delivered 455,000 houses before three years were up. I believe you will be in Osmaniye on Friday. What are your evaluations on this matter?" In response to this question, President Erdoğan said:

"It seems that as the anniversary of the disaster of the century approaches, the earthquake tourists are once again becoming active. Their greatest skill is to ignore what has been done in the places they visit. We are faced with an opposition understanding that thinks the world is blind and the nation is foolish. If it were up to them, our nation would still be in the open. If it were up to them, our people in the earthquake zone would not have returned to their homes. If it were up to them, there would have been a deep humanitarian drama in the earthquake zone. Fortunately, our nation saw the approaching political danger and kept them at bay. From the very first day, the opposition tried to profit from the disaster by saying, "They can't do it, they won't finish it, they will be buried under the rubble."

Those who have not experienced a major disaster like an earthquake in some of the metropolitan areas they govern can criticize a government that has rebuilt 11 provinces in a comprehensive manner, while making the nation dependent on a sip of water and basic municipal services, and who have shielded corruption and various kinds of theft. Delivering 455,000 houses is not a trivial matter; it means establishing a small country. There is no other state in the world that can achieve this in such a short time besides us. What we have done is as clear as day. For all these years, we have produced works and services and communicated with them. This is the difference between us and the opposition. For years, we have been unable to explain the opposition problem in our country to our nation. We are used to this. Because they cannot see the truth, cannot speak the truth, and cannot hear the truth. Hopefully, we will embrace our nation once again in Osmaniye, and we will converse with the comfort of having kept the promises we made to them. "

"WATER MANAGEMENT ALSO REQUIRES EXPERIENCE AND VISION"

As an Ankaran, I would like to express our concerns about water. I am not the only one expressing this; it is emphasized that Turkey is also a country under water stress. The latest report from the United Nations states that the world is heading towards bankruptcy in terms of water, and that rain and snow waters are no longer sufficient for global consumption. You have also frequently issued warnings and messages on this issue. Is there a need for new regulations regarding water management? Will steps be taken in this direction? Most importantly, can the management of water for homes in cities be taken away from local governments?" In response to this question, President Erdoğan said:

"First of all, water is the source of civilization, production, energy, in short, life. The issue of water management also requires experience and vision. We have been striving to protect water resources and provide our people with clean, healthy water. For years, they said, "Water flows, the Turk watches." So what happened? We did the exact opposite. I come from the mayorship. We brought water from the Istranca Mountains to Istanbul. Who did we take the municipality from? We took it from the well-known CHP mentality at that time. When we brought water from 180 kilometers away from the Istranca Mountains to Istanbul, everyone was shocked. We did not stop there. In the same way, we also brought the water of the Sakarya River to Istanbul by passing the line under the Bosphorus. We continuously made reinforcements. We have always been striving to protect water resources and provide our people with clean, healthy water. Now, CHP municipalities cannot deliver the water they have to the people. At night, you see my citizens going with jerry cans, waiting in line for water tankers. This is the difference between us. We are not a water-rich country. Therefore, as you said, we are a country experiencing water stress, even hardship. First and foremost, we prioritize conservation and continuously develop projects to encourage our nation to save water. So what do we need to do? Besides the work our municipalities do regarding water supply, our other source is the State Water Works. The State Water Works is also working hard at this point. Because besides the water supply of the municipalities, we will hopefully put this job on the right track with the water supply of the State Water Works as well. "

"WE MUST MODERNIZE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS"

"You defined 2026 as a comprehensive year of reform. You mentioned topics ranging from the financial structures of municipalities, oversight in spending and borrowing, to redefining the relationship between central administration and municipalities. My question is: Can you give us some examples or headings regarding the content of these reforms? Especially in recent times, have the corruption allegations related to CHP municipalities been more encouraging in addressing this issue?" In response to this question, President Erdoğan said:

"The corruption, theft, and bribery cycle in CHP municipalities has particularly been interfered with by our judiciary. The judiciary is currently pursuing these matters decisively.We are closely following this process together with our nation. When we look at the outcomes, we see that there are problems in the oversight of the resources used by municipalities on behalf of the nation. We must modernize that cumbersome structure, which causes conflicts of authority between central administration and local governments, once and for all. It is very important to achieve a properly functioning, transparent system. Increasing financial discipline and producing more effective and efficient services has become a necessity. You see that in our cities, while one party or mayor's administration moves forward 50 years, when another administration comes in, the municipality managed with the same resources falls behind the times. Budgets formed by the taxes of the nation should be spent on the roads, water, and parks of the nation. It is essential that the municipal administration that comes with the support of the nation serves the nation. In other words, the system should be such that the mayor and the administration must be compelled to work. The system should make service-oriented and efficient municipal management a necessity. Sanctions should be applied and defined for those who do not do this. We must plan and implement the system that will ensure this.