Türkiye and Allies to Forge New Defense Industry Pact

Leila Haddad | AFP

Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan, and Indonesia are set to sign a memorandum of understanding in Doha to enhance cooperation in the defense industry, building on existing projects and bolstering technology transfer.

Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan, and Indonesia are poised to formalize a significant leap in defense industry collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding in Doha. This agreement aims to build upon current defense projects, marking a noteworthy step forward in multilateral cooperation spearheaded by Türkiye's Defense Industries Secretariat (SSB).

The memorandum emphasizes the importance of moving beyond mere supply of military platforms toward more integrated efforts in joint production, technological collaboration, and supply chain interoperability. Such initiatives are expected to enhance the defense capacities of all parties involved.

In a statement, the Defense Industries Secretariat highlighted how defense partnerships, supported by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, have become central to Türkiye’s foreign policy strategy. Under the leadership of Haluk Gorgun, there has been a concerted focus on mass production and export initiatives.

Türkiye's Expanding Defense Exports

The defense and aerospace sector in Türkiye has achieved considerable export growth, with the Defense and Aerospace Industry Exporters' Association reporting exports amounting to $54 billion from 2012 to 2026. Crucially, more than $30 billion of this total has been realized between 2023-2026.

Year-on-year growth has been robust, exemplified by a 48% rise in 2025 when exports surpassed $10 billion, and in the subsequent 12-month period, they have exceeded $11 billion for the first time. Türkiye has thus positioned itself as the 11th-largest arms supplier globally, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI).

NATO allies represent a substantial 56% of Türkiye’s defense exports, illustrating its strategic pivot towards enhancing military support among its allies.

Notable Bilateral Defense Collaborations

Qatar has maintained a robust defense industry relationship with Türkiye, exemplified by the supply of Bayraktar TB2 drones and armored vehicles. This collaboration is further strengthened by projects such as BARQ, a joint venture with Aselsan that focuses on local assembly and production for advanced weapon systems.

Türkiye's partnership with Pakistan is showcased by the PN MILGEM Babur-class corvette project. This endeavor, led by Asfat, underscores Türkiye's commitment to transferring shipbuilding capabilities and modernizing Pakistan’s domestic production capacity.

With Indonesia, the focus has been on the KAPLAN MT tank, jointly developed by FNSS and PT Pindad. This collaboration highlights the successful integration of technology transfer and local production, marking a significant partnership in defense capabilities.

Strategic Defense Diplomacy Goals

The forthcoming signing of the memorandum in Doha represents an advancement of Türkiye's defense diplomacy strategy, which seeks to underpin its foreign policy with robust multilateral defense industry relationships. These partnerships aim to foster not only product exports but also shared technological and manufacturing frameworks.

Defense industry spokespersons noted that strengthening these ties reflects a broader ambition to integrate defense infrastructures across the region. Such strategies promise to pave the way for future collaborative projects that can enhance regional stability and security.

Experts observe that the memorandum will likely lead to amplified long-term partnerships, enabling the parties to diversify and strengthen their defense industries, thus enhancing strategic autonomy in a globalized defense marketplace.

Urban Governance Implications of Defense Pacts

The new memorandum of understanding among Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan, and Indonesia could have implications for urban governance by prompting increased investment in local defense industries. This investment may lead to expanded employment opportunities and foster urban economic development, highlighting the connection between defense spending and urban economic health.

Cities involved in hosting defense industry facilities may see shifts in infrastructure needs, such as enhanced transportation networks to support increased logistical demands of defense production. These developments can catalyze broader urban planning efforts to accommodate and capitalize on the burgeoning defense sector.

Moreover, the collaboration in defense technologies and infrastructure could lead city leaders to prioritize safety and security measures, ensuring that expanding industries integrate seamlessly into urban settings without compromising public services or community engagement.

Questions That Matter

What is Türkiye's new defense pact?

Türkiye, Qatar, Pakistan, and Indonesia plan to sign a memorandum of understanding that strengthens defense industry cooperation. This pact aims to expand joint production, technology integration, and supply chain interoperability.

What is the extent of Türkiye's defense exports?

Approximately $54 billion in defense and aerospace exports were recorded from 2012 to September 2026. Notably, over $30 billion of this total occurred between 2023 and 2026, a period that saw more than 55% of the sector's exports.