By Uzma Ehtasham
Turkey’s reported plans to establish a combat drone manufacturing facility in Pakistan mark a significant chapter in the deepening defence relationship between the two countries, revealing both strategic foresight and a shared ambition to enhance indigenous military capabilities. According to Bloomberg, Ankara intends not only to supply components for stealth and long-range drones to Pakistan for local assembly but also to involve Islamabad in its fifth-generation fighter jet program. While such announcements are still at the stage of discussion, Turkish officials familiar with the plan have described talks as constructive and ongoing, highlighting a mutual commitment to long-term defence collaboration.
This proposed initiative follows years of progressively closer defence ties. Turkey and Pakistan have already worked together on the upgrading of Pakistan’s fighter jets, while also collaborating on naval vessels. Pakistan, meanwhile, has pursued its own ambitious defence agenda, developing the JF‑17 Thunder in partnership with China. The JF‑17, a multirole combat aircraft that has been successfully exported to several countries, is widely regarded as more capable than India’s indigenous Tejas fighter jet, which has struggled to establish itself commercially. The introduction of a Turkish drone facility in Pakistan would therefore represent the second major international defence partnership for Islamabad, complementing its ongoing Chinese collaboration and signaling a broader strategic orientation in the region.
For Pakistan, the benefits of such cooperation are clear. Beyond the immediate technological gains, participation in these programs enables the country to cultivate expertise in advanced aerospace systems, from drone autonomy to stealth technologies. In an era where military innovation increasingly determines strategic leverage, such knowledge is invaluable. By assembling components locally and contributing to fifth-generation fighter jet development, Pakistan positions itself not merely as a purchaser of foreign military hardware but as an active partner in global defence innovation. It is a step that could significantly enhance its operational capabilities, while also generating domestic employment and boosting its defence industry’s credibility on the world stage.
It is natural that these developments will provoke discomfort among rival powers. India, in particular, has historically been sensitive to any shift in regional military balance, and there were already rumors following the brief four-day conflict between India and Pakistan in May that Turkey had provided missile support to Islamabad. These claims, lacking credible verification, were widely dismissed by analysts, yet they underscore the anxieties that such partnerships can generate. Turkey’s overt and carefully structured defence collaboration, by contrast, reflects a genuine bilateral approach, rooted in shared interests rather than transient political calculation.
The strategic implications of such a partnership extend well beyond the bilateral dimension. Both Turkey and Pakistan occupy unique positions within the Muslim world: populous nations with longstanding military institutions, rapidly modernizing defence industries, and growing geopolitical influence. A cooperative venture in high-tech defence strengthens not only their own security and technological self-reliance but also contributes to a broader framework of regional stability. In practical terms, these partnerships demonstrate that countries in the Muslim world are increasingly capable of asserting their strategic interests, reducing dependency on external powers, and developing a voice in shaping global security norms.
This approach carries lessons that are both timely and pressing. Countries such as India and Israel, which have historically viewed Pakistan and Turkey with suspicion, may only fully appreciate shifts in regional balance once such partnerships demonstrate tangible outcomes. Military exercises, technology transfer, and collaborative development programs, particularly in the high-stakes areas of drones and advanced fighter jets, create a credible deterrent by signaling that emerging powers are capable of defending their interests decisively. In this sense, the proposed Turkish drone facility is not merely a manufacturing project but a statement of intent: that Pakistan is determined to play a more assertive role in its own defence and in regional security architecture.
There are, of course, challenges. Complex defence projects require careful planning, robust oversight, and sustained political will. Transferring sensitive technology, ensuring local manufacturing quality, and integrating foreign expertise with domestic talent are intricate tasks. Yet the precedent exists. Pakistan’s experience with the JF‑17, combined with Turkey’s record in indigenous defence production, suggests that such collaboration is feasible if approached with pragmatism and patience. Beyond the technical dimension, the political symbolism of such partnerships is significant, reinforcing trust between governments and signaling to other states that joint strategic initiatives are achievable even amidst broader regional tension.
Ultimately, the broader message is one of strategic self-reliance and dignity. By strengthening indigenous defence capacity and engaging constructively with trusted partners, Pakistan and Turkey illustrate a path that many countries in volatile regions aspire to: one in which national security, technological competence, and international credibility are pursued simultaneously. The ongoing integration into fifth-generation fighter programs, the development of domestic drone manufacturing, and the wider context of military modernization suggest a vision for defence that is forward-looking, systematic, and resilient.
For Islamabad, the message is clear: through collaboration, skill development, and careful international engagement, the country can strengthen its security posture while simultaneously expanding its global partnerships. For Ankara, the project represents an opportunity to extend its technological and diplomatic footprint, affirming its role as a regional power with global ambitions. Together, the two nations are signaling that in an era of shifting power dynamics, proactive and mutually respectful defence cooperation is not only desirable but essential. In a world of fast-changing security challenges, this initiative is as much a diplomatic statement as a technical endeavor, reflecting foresight, resolve, and a commitment to shaping the future of regional defence.
(The writer is a public health professional, journalist, and possesses expertise in health communication, having keen interest in national and international affairs, can be reached at uzma@metro-morning.com)
