Turkiye in talks to assemble combat drones in Pakistan: report

(Web Desk) - Turkiye is in advanced discussions to establish a facility in Pakistan to assemble Turkish-made combat drones, part of Ankara’s push to expand its fast-growing defence industry into new markets, Bloomberg reported, citing Turkish officials familiar with the negotiations.

According to the report, the project would involve exporting stealth and long-endurance drone platforms from Turkiye for assembly in Pakistan.

The officials said the discussions have made significant progress since October. The potential cooperation comes amid a surge in exports in Turkiye’s defence and aerospace industry.

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Turkiye and Pakistan already have close defence ties. Turkish officials told Bloomberg that Ankara now hopes to bring Pakistan into its KAAN fifth-generation fighter-jet program as well.

The talks also come at a sensitive time for Pakistan’s security environment. Islamabad recently reached a ceasefire with India following a brief four-day military confrontation in May, while tensions with Afghanistan remain high over Pakistan’s claims that militant groups operating from Afghan territory are planning attacks inside the country.