Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani has embarked on a significant official visit to Turkey with a focus on enhancing cooperation in the defense industry, particularly in the realm of drone technology. This marks the first occasion that a Japanese defense chief has made an official trip to Turkey, a key NATO member that plays a pivotal role in regional security dynamics.
During his visit, Nakatani has scheduled a series of meetings with prominent Turkish defense companies, including Baykar, a leading manufacturer of drones. In Ankara, he engaged in discussions with Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler, who expressed Turkey’s keen interest in strengthening military and industrial ties with Japan.
Sources within the Turkish defense sector informed Reuters that while inspections of drone systems are planned as part of the visit, there is no expectation of formal agreements being reached at this time. This sentiment underscores a phase of exploration and evaluation of potential partnerships rather than immediate contractual commitments.
Following his meetings in the capital, Nakatani’s itinerary includes a trip to Istanbul, where he is set to tour various defense facilities. This encompasses a visit to the Turkish Aviation and Space Industry and naval shipyards, highlighting the breadth of Turkey’s capabilities within the defense sector.
Japan is currently seeking to bolster its capabilities in unmanned systems, and Turkey is emerging as a promising partner. The latter boasts a rapidly expanding drone industry, complemented by a robust track record of exports to several regions. Notably, Baykar has recently initiated serial production of the Kızılelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle, an advanced platform that successfully completed its inaugural flight in December 2022. This cutting-edge aircraft is anticipated to be operational within the Turkish Armed Forces by 2026, with the production of the sixth prototype already underway.
In addition to drone technology, Turkey is actively involved in expanding its military cooperation framework with various nations. Earlier in the year, both Belgium and Turkey became members of the International Drone Coalition, a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s defense through increased drone support.
The developments from Nakatani’s visit underscore not only the growing relationship between Japan and Turkey in the defense sector but also the strategic alignment of their military ambitions in a rapidly changing global landscape.
