ISLAMABAD: Türkiye has reaffirmed its strong commitment to expandingdefence cooperation with Pakistan, particularly in aerospace, dronetechnology, and domestic production capabilities, as both nations seekgreater self-reliance in military hardware amid evolving regional securitydynamics. Recent developments indicate advanced negotiations forestablishing combat drone assembly facilities in Pakistan, building onlongstanding bilateral ties that position Türkiye as Islamabad’ssecond-largest arms supplier after China.
The proposed drone assembly plant, reportedly led by Turkish firm Baykar,focuses on local production of advanced unmanned aerial vehicles such asthe Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci models, which Pakistan has already integratedinto its armed forces. Talks have progressed significantly since October2025, with sources highlighting technology transfer in areas like stealthfeatures, long-endurance systems, and composite materials to enable deeperlocalisation beyond mere assembly.
This initiative aligns with Türkiye’s broader strategy of exporting defencetechnologies to allied nations while boosting its own industry, which sawdefence exports surge 30 percent in the first 11 months of 2025, surpassingprevious annual records. For Pakistan, the partnership promises enhancedoperational readiness through localised maintenance, faster deployment, andpotential upgrades incorporating indigenous sensors and payloads.
Historical military collaboration between the two countries dates backdecades, encompassing joint ventures in naval platforms like MILGEM-classcorvettes for the Pakistan Navy and modernisation of F-16 fighter jets.Türkiye has supplied and upgraded systems critical to Pakistan’s air andnaval forces, including targeting pods for the JF-17 Thunder aircraftco-developed with China.
In the drone domain, Pakistan acquired Bayraktar TB2 systems as early as2021, followed by Akinci high-altitude long-endurance drones, which havebolstered surveillance and strike capabilities. Recent agreements includecooperation on munitions, with Turkish firm MKE supplying aerospace bombsand drone-compatible systems to Pakistan’s Global Industrial & DefenceSolutions in July 2025.
Discussions also extend to Türkiye’s fifth-generation KAAN fighter jetprogram, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, where Pakistan’sparticipation is under consideration, potentially involving jointproduction facilities and engineering collaboration. Around 150 Pakistaniengineers are reportedly involved in aspects of the project, fosteringskill development and technology exchange.
The emphasis on joint manufacturing reflects mutual interests in achievingdefence self-sufficiency, reducing dependence on external suppliers, andcreating employment opportunities through industrial cooperation. Suchpartnerships drive research and development sharing while strengtheningstrategic alignment in countering common security challenges.
Broader bilateral engagements include intelligence sharing between agencieslike Türkiye’s MIT and Pakistan’s ISI, as well as joint military exercisesand training programs. These non-public elements complement high-profilehardware deals, enhancing overall interoperability between the armed forces.
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Türkiye’s defence industry growth, propelled by companies like Baykar, hasseen its drones exported to over 30 countries, accumulating hundreds ofthousands of flight hours globally. The Pakistan venture fits this pattern,offering Ankara a foothold in South Asia while providing Islamabad accessto proven, battle-tested technologies.
Experts view this deepening partnership as a response to regional tensions,including aerial incidents in South Asia, where advanced unmanned systemsplay pivotal roles in modern warfare doctrines. The collaborationunderscores a shift towards co-production models that benefit botheconomies and militaries long-term.
As negotiations advance, the focus remains on sustainable technologytransfer and mutual industrial gains, potentially elevating Pakistan’s rolefrom importer to regional producer in aerospace and drone sectors. Thisevolution strengthens fraternal ties rooted in shared strategic visions.
Source:https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-05/turkey-plans-drone-facility-in-pakistan-in-global-defense-push
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