Ankara/Islamabad: Turkey and Pakistan are accelerating their defense cooperation, expanding beyond modernization of Pakistan’s F-16 fleet. Ankara is reportedly planning to set up a factory in Pakistan to assemble attack drones, signaling a significant boost in military collaboration between the two nations.
According to Bloomberg sources, Turkey aims to establish a facility in Pakistan for assembling unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for export. The project will include stealth-capable and long-endurance drone platforms, reflecting Ankara’s strategy to expand its rapidly growing defense industry into new markets. Officials familiar with the discussions, speaking on condition of anonymity, said negotiations have made significant progress since October.
Defense Industry Growth
Turkey’s defense exports have surged in 2025. Data released on Thursday show that exports between January and November rose by 30% compared to the same period last year, reaching $7.5 billion—surpassing last year’s annual high even with one month remaining. Haluk Gorgun, head of Turkey’s defense industry authority (SSB), confirmed the figures.
Baykar: The Drone Powerhouse
Baykar, Turkey’s leading drone manufacturer, has exported to around 35 countries. Their drones have been actively used in conflicts in Ukraine, Azerbaijan, and Libya. The company is owned by Selcuk Bayraktar, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s son-in-law, who has personally promoted Baykar drones during international trips, contributing to the company’s global success.
Deepening Military Ties
Turkey and Pakistan already share strong defense ties. Under a joint production agreement, Ankara is building corvette-class warships for the Pakistani Navy and has upgraded multiple F-16 fighter jets. According to Turkish officials speaking to Bloomberg, Ankara now intends to include Pakistan in its fifth-generation fighter jet program, KAAN, further deepening military cooperation between the two nations.
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