A JF-17 Thunder aircraft from the Pakistani Air Force, manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Corp. from China.
Photographer: Jason Alden / Bloomberg
Photographer: Jason Alden / Bloomberg
Turkey is working to co-manufacture warplanes and missiles with Pakistan, a connection that could also give it access to China’s popular warfare technology.
Turkish defenders and government officials held regular talks with Pakistani counterparts – the last high-level talks took place in January – about developing and manufacturing military equipment with Pakistan, according to people in both countries who are familiar with the negotiations. People have not said when they will meet again or how close they are to an agreement.
An agreement would bring NATO member Turkey closer to some of China’s military technology. Pakistan is building its JF-17 fighter jets with China and is said to have adapted Chinese models for its Shaheen ballistic missile.
Turkey considers Pakistan’s nuclear power a strategic ally and a potential partner in building its Siper and TF-missile defense project.X fighter jet, said familiar people, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss strategic objectives. People did not say whether the talks reached the point of seeking Beijing’s agreement to share Chinese defense technology.
Asked about restrictions on arms exports, China’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that the Chinese government “has always taken a prudent and responsible attitude in the export of military products and strictly enforces China’s management laws and regulations.” military exports and duties. “
Pakistan is looking at aviation in an ambitious export defense process
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed “very serious potential” for cooperation with Pakistan on defense projects, and senior defense officials have met in recent months. Pakistani Defense Secretary Mian Muhammad Hilal Hussain met with top Turkish officials in December, including Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, and discussed co-operation in the defense industry, officials said. Akar also met with Pakistan’s defense minister, military chief and air force chief and accompanied Erdogan on a visit to Pakistan in the past year.
Countries already have some cooperation in the defense industry, including co-producers of warships Turkey sold Pakistan.
The adoption of Chinese military technology by the Turks could cause new friction with the US, which would be contemptuous to see Ankara moving further away from the Western military alliance. Washington already sanctions Turkey for buying Russian missile defense system and suspends Turkish companies from participating in development Lockheed Martin Corp.’s F-35 stealth fighter jet.
Turkish officials who spoke about contacts with Pakistan said that enlargement is a network with Ankara’s aspiration to become a center of power in an increasingly multipolar world.
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Turkey signed S-400 agreement with Russia two years after canceling plans to buy a Chinese missile defense system, under US pressure Ankara is now negotiating a potential acquisition of a second S-400 system and a co-production agreement with Moscow.
The US has said Turkey does not want to buy comparable batteries from the US Patriot, while Ankara has said Washington has refused to share the US system’s technology. Turkey is also bitter over NATO allies in Europe, who have not agreed to provide engines for its fighter jet and tank projects.
After a date chaired by Erdogan on Tuesday, Turkey’s defense procurement agency said Turkey’s defense industry “is secretly targeted and open embargoIt is.”
“Turkey will confidently take action towards its goal of having a fully independent defense industry, with its determination to design, develop and produce local and national systems,” the agency, known as SSB, said.
– With the assistance of Faseeh Mangi and Lucille Liu
(Background updates and statement from the Turkish Defense Agency in the last three paragraphs)