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.

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.