Details of the $6 Billion Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia Take Shape

29 January 2025, 07:29 published

According to a report by Bloomberg’s Selcan Hacaoğlu, Turkey aims to finalise a massive $6 billion defence agreement with Saudi Arabia. The deal is expected to include Saudi Arabia’s procurement of warships, tanks, and missile systems from Turkey, as well as its participation in Turkey’s indigenous fighter jet project, “Kaan”.

President Erdoğan’s Visit to Saudi Arabia Anticipated

This significant agreement is expected to be finalised during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s planned visit to Saudi Arabia in March. The deal is seen as a major step towards deepening defence cooperation between the two countries and boosting Turkey’s defence exports.

Details of the $6 Billion Defence Agreement with Saudi Arabia Take Shape

New Developments in Defence Exports

In 2023, Saudi Arabia began purchasing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Baykar, one of Turkey’s leading defence firms. Now, Turkey aims to supply Saudi Arabia with missile defence systems and Altay tanks. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is expected to be involved in Turkey’s indigenous fighter jet programme, “Kaan”. Turkish officials are also keeping open the possibility of participation from other nations in the project.

Hakan Fidan’s Visit and Negotiations

The details of this agreement will be further clarified with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan’s visit to Saudi Arabia on 28 January. During his visit, negotiations are expected to take place, and both parties are likely to make final decisions regarding the agreement.