Türkiye has advanced its plan to establish a drone assembly facility in Pakistan. Turkish officials stated that negotiations have progressed significantly since October.
They said Ankara intends to assemble stealth and long-endurance drones under the proposed arrangement.
Their comments suggest that Türkiye views Pakistan as a strategic production partner. The plan highlights Ankara’s push to expand its international defence footprint.
Such an arrangement would grant Pakistan access to advanced unmanned aerial technology. It would also strengthen Türkiye’s position in the global weapons market. Both countries have steadily increased their defence engagement in recent years. The officials cited in the report requested anonymity due to confidentiality concerns.
Türkiye Pursues Global Defence Ambitions Under Erdogan
Strengthening the defence industry remains a central goal of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s policy.
Ankara secured a fighter jet order from Indonesia earlier this year.
It continues talks for additional arms sales to Saudi Arabia and Syria. Türkiye’s defence exports rose by 30% in the first eleven months of this year. The total reached a record $7.5 billion, according to Haluk Görgün.
These figures show rising global demand for Turkish defence products.
Pakistan and Türkiye Maintain a Longstanding Strategic Partnership
Defence cooperation between Pakistan and Türkiye spans several decades. Ankara continues building corvette warships for the Pakistan Navy. It has upgraded numerous Pakistani F-16 fighter jets in recent years.
Türkiye also hopes Pakistan will join its next-generation fighter jet programme “KAAN.”
Both countries have collaborated on the TF-X fighter project for years. TAI opened its first Pakistani office in 2019 to support joint research. NUST researchers contribute to design and development work for the programme.
Cooperation in drone technology is also expanding rapidly. TAI signed agreements with NESCOM in 2021 and 2022 for joint Anka UAV production. The Anka UAV can fly for 24 hours at 30,000 feet while carrying significant payloads.
Assembly Facility Could Mark a Major Strategic Shift
Türkiye is also working to supply Pakistan with 30 T-129 attack helicopters. That deal remains stalled due to external export restrictions. The proposed drone assembly facility would represent a major cooperative milestone.
It would provide Pakistan with sustained access to modern UAV systems. It would help Türkiye advance its growing defence export strategy.
Development Emerges Amid Regional Tensions
The development comes during persistent regional unease. Pakistan’s tensions with India have remained elevated since a clash in May. Relations with Kabul also remain strained due to Afghan-based militant activity.
These conditions create increased demand for advanced surveillance and combat capabilities.
The proposed facility therefore holds significant strategic relevance for both countries.
