Turkey is exploring options to co-manufacture warplanes and missiles with Pakistan, a move that would bring it closer to prized war technology from China.
Government officials from Turkey are in close contact with their Pakistani counterparts for developing and manufacturing military hardware jointly, sources close to the development told media. It wasn’t clear on when they would meet next or how close they are in inking the deal.
If the deal happens Turkey may gain access to Chinese war technology. Pakistan’s JF-17 fighter jets are built under Chinese supervision and Pakistan has adopted Chinese designs for its Shaheen ballistic missile.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said that there is immense potential for collaboration with Pakistan on defence projects. Last year, Pakistani Defense Secretary Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain had met top Turkish officials including Defense Minister Hulusi Akar.
Akar has held meetings with Pakistan’s defense minister, military chief and air force chief, and accompanied Erdogan on a visit to Pakistan. The developments may sound alarm bells for Biden administration which would see Turkey as further isolating itself from the western alliance.
