ISLAMABAD: Turkey has solidified its position as the second-largestsupplier of military hardware to Pakistan, surpassing all countries exceptChina, according to recent defence trade data and official statements. Theshift marks a significant realignment in Pakistan’s arms procurementstrategy, driven by growing strategic convergence between Islamabad andAnkara and restrictions imposed by traditional Western partners.
Defence analysts note that Turkish systems now form a critical component ofPakistan’s modernisation programme. The Pakistan Air Force has integratedBayraktar TB2 and Akinci unmanned combat aerial vehicles, while the Armyhas acquired significant numbers of SOM cruise missiles andAselsan-developed targeting pods that substantially enhanceprecision-strike capabilities. These acquisitions have been accompanied bytechnology transfer agreements and joint production arrangements, allowingPakistan to reduce dependency on single-source suppliers.
The most prominent development remains the Pakistan Navy’s procurement offour MILGEM-class corvettes under a 2018 agreement with Turkey’s ASFATmilitary shipbuilding consortium. Two vessels are being constructed inIstanbul while the remaining pair are under simultaneous construction atKarachi Shipyard, representing the largest technology transfer inPakistan’s naval history. The Ada-class ships, equipped with verticallaunch systems capable of firing Atmaca anti-ship missiles and advancedelectronic warfare suites, will significantly bolster the Navy’s blue-wateraspirations.
This expanding partnership reflects a broader geopolitical realignment.Western embargo threats following Pakistan’s nuclear tests and subsequentsanctions have gradually pushed the country towards reliable non-Westernsuppliers. Turkey, facing similar pressures from traditional NATO alliesover its S-400 acquisition from Russia, has found in Pakistan a willingpartner for defence industrial cooperation outside Western oversight.
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Experts believe the trend will accelerate, with negotiations reportedlyunderway for additional drone systems, helicopter upgrades, and possibleco-production of next-generation main battle tanks. The growingTurkey-Pakistan defence axis not only diversifies Pakistan’s sources butalso creates strategic depth against potential future embargoes.
Source:www.eurasiantimes.com/turkey-becomes-2nd-biggest-weapons-supplier-to-pakistan/”>https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/11/15/turkey-pakistan-deepen-defense-ties/”>https://www.eurasiantimes.com/turkey-becomes-2nd-biggest-weapons-supplier-to-pakistan/Source:www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/11/15/turkey-pakistan-deepen-defense-ties/”>https://www.defensenews.com/global/asia-pacific/2024/11/15/turkey-pakistan-deepen-defense-ties/