Pakistan, Turkey form joint groups on defense tech amid India tensions

Pakistan and Turkey have agreed to set up joint working groups to fast-track cooperation in defense training and aerospace technologies, officials said Wednesday, as the two countries reaffirmed their strategic ties amid rising regional tensions.

The agreement was reached during a high-level Turkish visit to Islamabad, led by Defense Minister Yaşar Güler and Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

According to Pakistan’s military media wing, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Güler held detailed talks with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad. The discussions covered regional security, existing defense collaboration, and prospects for expanding cooperation in emerging military technologies.

  Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler calls on Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu at Air Headquarters in Islamabad.Screengrab

Sidhu emphasized the "brotherly ties" between the two countries, describing their defense partnership as rooted in “common aspirations and strategic convergence.”

Both sides agreed to establish dedicated joint working groups to accelerate progress in training, aerospace technologies, and other areas of mutual interest.

The Turkish Defense Minister thanked the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) for its hospitality and praised its performance during the recent conflict with India in May. He commended the PAF’s operational readiness and leadership during what he called a “resolute defense of national sovereignty.”

Güler expressed Turkey’s interest in launching joint ventures in fields such as advanced avionics, disruptive technologies, and unmanned aerial systems. He also appreciated Pakistan’s role in the pilot exchange program between the two air forces, describing it as vital for professional growth and mutual understanding.

The May 2025 border conflict between India and Pakistan has strained relations in the region. India accused Pakistan of using Turkish drones in the skirmishes, triggering diplomatic tensions and calls within India to boycott Turkish goods. Turkey has not commented directly on the allegations.

Foreign ministers meet

Meanwhile, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his Pakistani counterpart, Senator Ishaq Dar, in the first session of a Joint Commission formed under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC). Dar said all twelve standing committees under the HLSCC had either met or were scheduled to convene soon.

  Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with his Pakistani counterpart, Senator Ishaq Dar, in the first session of a Joint Commission formed under the High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council (HLSCC).Courtesy: Foreign Office

Fidan conveyed warm greetings from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and reiterated Turkey’s desire to deepen cooperation with Pakistan in areas such as trade, investment, and energy.

The two sides also discussed global and regional issues, including the situations in Gaza and Iran, and reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and security in the region.

Call on Prime Minister

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also received the Turkish ministers at his office. The meeting was attended by Foreign Minister Dar, Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, Defense Minister Khawaja Asif, and senior national security officials.

Sharif welcomed the deepening bilateral cooperation and said Pakistan was committed to transforming ties with Turkey into a full strategic partnership.

He thanked the Turkish leadership for supporting Pakistan during the recent military standoff with India and called for closer coordination between the two nations as regional dynamics shift.

Sharif also invited Turkish companies to invest in Pakistan and share expertise to support Islamabad’s reform and development efforts. He called for joint efforts to boost bilateral trade to $5 billion.