Foreign Minister Fidan signals UAV co-development push with Japan
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye is willing to cooperate with Japan in unmanned aerial vehicles, citing joint development and joint production potential, Anadolu Agency reported. The remarks open a new track in the Türkiye-Japan defence-industry dialogue.
Anadolu Ajansı · Muhammet TarhanTurkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Türkiye is willing to cooperate with Japan in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and that the partnership could open significant opportunities for joint development and joint production. According to Anadolu Agency, Fidan emphasised that Türkiye's UAV ecosystem and Japan's electronics, sensors and space industries can be complementary.
The remarks land against the backdrop of Tokyo's target of raising defence spending to 2% of GDP, an evolving Pacific alliance map and renewed interest in UAV procurement worldwide. According to Türkiye Exporters' Assembly (TIM) data, the country's defence and aerospace industry posted a record annual export figure in 2024, with the trend of export-led growth continuing.
Japan's formal response and a concrete framework for the partnership have not yet been announced. Follow-up statements are expected from Türkiye's Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB) and the Presidential Strategy and Budget Office. Markets will watch defence and aerospace equities, the exchange rate and capital flows for second-order effects. This commentary is not investment advice.
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