High-level talks held between the Turkish officials and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan

Pakistan’s Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan and Turkey’s Minister of National Defense Yaşar Guler sign the Protocol of the 16th Turkey–Pakistan Joint Economic Commission in Islamabad (September 2025)

Pakistan and Turkey have held high-level talks to expand defence and industrial cooperation. Officials say the discussions aim to strengthen joint ventures, technology transfer, and local manufacturing.

The partnership between the two countries is often described as an all-weather friendship. It is built on trust and decades of technological collaboration, according to international relations experts.

Historical Defense Collaboration

Past projects show the depth of this relationship. One example is the MILGEM naval project. Pakistan acquired four Ada-class corvettes which are small, fast warships built for coastal defense and anti-submarine missions. The first vessels were built in Turkey, while later ones were constructed at Karachi Shipyard under a transfer-of-technology agreement. This allowed Pakistan to co-produce advanced ships and develop domestic shipbuilding expertise.

Corvette ship built for Pakistan Navy

In aerospace, Pakistan participated in Turkey’s fifth-generation KAAN fighter jet program. Pakistan Aeronautical Complex manufactures key components and contributes to development.

Aircraft modernisation is another area of cooperation. Turkish Aerospace Industries upgraded forty-one Pakistan Air Force F-16s. In a reverse arrangement, Pakistan exported Super Mushshak trainer aircraft to Turkey, demonstrating two-way defence trade.

Drone technology has also been a focus. Past talks explored joint production and maintenance facilities in Pakistan, moving beyond simple acquisitions toward local industrial participation.

A Growing Muslim Defense Partnership

Experts say the current talks aim to build on this historical foundation. By expanding joint projects and technology sharing, Pakistan and Turkey are emerging as leading defence powers in the Muslim world, advancing shared production and long-term industrial cooperation.