Turkey expands hunting for war technology by winning Pakistan’s ties with China

Photographer: Jason Alden / Bloomberg

Turkey is pushing to co-manufacture warplanes and missiles with Pakistan, a connection that could also give it access to China’s valuable war technology.

Turkish defense and government officials held periodic talks with Pakistani counterparts – the last high-level discussion was in January – about the development and manufacture of military equipment with Pakistan, according to people from 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.

A deal would bring NATO member Turkey closer to some of China’s military technology. Pakistan builds its JF-17 fighter jets with China and is said to have adapted Chinese designs for its Shaheen ballistic missile.

Turkey sees Pakistan’s nuclear power as a strategic ally and potential partner in building its long-range missile defense project Siper and TF-X fighter jet, known people said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss strategic objectives. People did not say whether the talks went so far as to seek Beijing’s consent 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 adopted a prudent and responsible attitude in the export of military products and strictly implements the laws and regulations of China’s military export management, as well as its international standards obligations. “

Pakistan looks to aviation in ambitious defense export effort

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hailed “very serious potential” for collaboration 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, including Defense Minister Hulusi Akar, in December, and discussed the defense industry’s cooperation, close people said. Akar also met with the defense minister, military chief and head of the Pakistan Air Force, and accompanied Erdogan on a visit to Pakistan last year.

Countries already have some cooperation in the defense industry, including the co-production of warships that Turkey sold to Pakistan.

Turkish adoption of Chinese military technology may cause further friction with the United States, which would be reluctant to see Ankara move further away from the Western military alliance. Washington is already sanctioning Turkey for buying an anti-missile defense system from Russia and has suspended the participation of Turkish companies in the development of the The F-35 stealth fighter jet from Lockheed Martin Corp.

Turkish officials who spoke about contacts with Pakistan said the scope is linked to Ankara’s aspiration to become a center of power in an increasingly multipolar world.