Turkey has finalised preparations to establish a military unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production facility in Pakistan. According to Bloomberg, this initiative is considered a critical step that will open a new chapter in defence industry cooperation between the two countries.
In the new facility, modern UAVs will be produced using components supplied from Turkey. It is stated that the shipment of parts includes covert and long-range models. This move is said to be part of Ankara’s broader strategy to involve Pakistan in its fifth-generation fighter jet programme.
Growing Defence Cooperation
Joint production and defence projects between Turkey and Pakistan have expanded rapidly in recent years. Under ongoing agreements, Turkey plays an active role in the construction of naval combat ships for the Pakistan Navy and has so far completed the modernisation of numerous F-16 fighter jets.
Turkey’s defence exports increased by 30% in the last 11 months alone, reaching 7.5 billion dollars as of 2025. Meanwhile, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) strengthened its presence in Pakistan with the office it opened in 2019 and became one of the country’s most significant defence partners through a 1.5-billion-dollar agreement covering the delivery of 30 ATA and 1,229 helicopters.
Emphasis on Strategic Partnership
Pakistani officials state that joint projects have significantly enhanced the country’s military capabilities. The cooperation is said to confirm the strength and reliability of the strategic partnership between the two nations.
According to an ISPR statement, Turkey’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar met with Army Chief General Asim Munir at the General Headquarters during his visit to Pakistan earlier this month. During the meeting, the parties agreed to expand Turkey–Pakistan cooperation, particularly in the energy sector. They also reiterated their commitment to deeper strategic collaboration for regional stability.
