Pakistan–Turkiye defence ties

May 24, 2026

Pakistan and Turkiye have once again shown strong commitment to deepening their long-standing partnership, especially in defence, military training, and emerging technologies. The recent high-level meetings between Pakistan Air Chief Zaheer Ahmed Babar Sidhu and senior Turkish military and defence officials reflect a relationship that is becoming more structured, modern, and future-oriented. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the air chief’s official visit included meetings with top Turkish leadership, including the Turkish Air Force Commander Ziya Cemal Kadioglu, Defence Minister Yasar Guler, and representatives of Baykar Technologies. These discussions focused on strengthening cooperation in training, joint exercises, and aerospace development. One of the key outcomes of these talks is the shared interest in improving interoperability between the two air forces. This includes joint military exercises, professional training programs, and exchange of expertise. Turkey has also appreciated Pakistan Air Force’s role in training Turkish pilots, showing that the relationship is not one-sided but built on mutual support.

However, the importance of this partnership goes beyond defence alone. Both countries are increasingly exploring cooperation in advanced technology, particularly in drones, aerospace engineering, and modern defence systems. Meetings with Baykar Technologies highlighted the growing focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and next-generation military innovation. From an editorial perspective, this relationship has the potential to expand even further into non-military sectors. Pakistan and Turkiye share strong historical, cultural, and political ties, which can also support cooperation in education, trade, energy, tourism, and industrial development. Strengthening economic collaboration alongside defence ties would make this partnership more balanced and sustainable. In today’s global environment, countries are no longer building relationships based only on military needs. Economic stability, technological growth, and industrial partnerships are equally important. Pakistan and Turkiye already have goodwill at the public and governmental levels, and this can be used to expand cooperation in areas such as infrastructure development, digital technology, renewable energy, and vocational training. The recent meetings therefore should not be seen only as defence discussions, but as part of a broader strategic vision between the two nations. If both countries continue on this path, their partnership could evolve into a strong regional alliance based on shared interests, innovation, and long-term development goals.