Pakistan and Turkiye reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced defence ties during a high-level military dialogue.
On Friday, 30 January, 2026, Field Marshal Asim Munir, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces, hosted General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, at General Headquarters in Rawalpindi. The leaders discussed Pakistan Turkey defence cooperation alongside the regional security landscape and bilateral military ties. A guard of honour greeted the Turkish delegation upon arrival.
This interaction highlights the strategic value of Pakistan Turkey defence cooperation for stability in South Asia, where escalating tensions in neighbouring regions demand robust partnerships to counter threats and foster peace.
Asim Munir Selcuk Bayraktaroglu Meeting Highlights
The meeting focused on mutual interests. According to the Inter-Services Public Relations press release, the sides addressed the prevailing regional security landscape and opportunities to bolster Pakistan Turkey defence cooperation. Both expressed satisfaction with existing relations and stressed the need for closer coordination.
Field Marshal Asim Munir emphasised the longstanding brotherly bonds between the two nations, grounded in shared history, mutual trust, and people-to-people connections. He appreciated the support from the Turkish armed forces and pledged Pakistan’s dedication to advancing bilateral military ties.
General Selcuk Bayraktaroglu thanked the hosts for the reception and praised the professionalism of Pakistan’s armed forces. He reaffirmed Turkiye’s intent to expand defence collaboration, including training programmes, joint exercises, and capacity-building efforts.
The dialogue also covered global security challenges, with both sides agreeing on the importance of joint responses to emerging risks.
Regional Security Landscape In Focus
Discussions delved into the regional security landscape, marked by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and South Asia. Instabilities in Gaza, Yemen, and Syria continue to influence broader dynamics, while Iran’s activities add layers of concern. In South Asia, border tensions and terrorism remain key issues.
Pakistan Turkey defence cooperation plays a vital role here. The two countries share perspectives on countering extremism and promoting stability. Recent escalations, such as the 2025 Israel-Iran confrontation, underscore the need for allied vigilance. South Asian stakeholders, including Pakistan, face risks from spillover effects, making such bilateral military ties essential for deterrence and crisis management.
Data from official records shows that military exchanges between Pakistan and Turkiye have grown steadily. Since 2000, around 1500 Pakistani officers have trained in Turkiye under exchange programmes. Joint exercises, like those in 2018 involving naval assets, demonstrate practical collaboration.
Background On Bilateral Military Ties
Pakistan and Turkiye established diplomatic relations in 1947, with defence links evolving rapidly. During the 1950s, both joined Western-aligned pacts against communist threats, laying foundations for military cooperation. In the 1970s, Turkiye supported Pakistan on Kashmir, recognising its stance internationally.
Over decades, bilateral military ties have included arms deals and technology transfers. In 2018, Turkiye agreed to supply Pakistan with attack helicopters and corvettes valued at USD 1.5 billion. Pakistan has aided in maintaining Turkiye’s F-16 fleet. Recent developments include talks on drone technology and missile systems.
In 2025, reports emerged of joint prototypes under Turkiye’s KAAN fighter programme, with 200 Pakistani engineers involved. A production facility in Pakistan is planned. These steps align with both nations’ aims for self-reliance in defence.
Official sources note that military relations persist through democratic and non-democratic periods, reflecting deep-rooted affinity. Turkiye has trained Pakistani pilots, and trilateral discussions with Azerbaijan hint at wider alliances.
Amid 2026’s geopolitical shifts, such as potential Saudi-Pakistan-Turkiye defence pacts, these ties gain prominence. Talks for a mutual defence agreement, drafted in 2025, could form a new security framework against regional rivals like Iran.
Economic and Strategic Dimensions
Beyond military aspects, Pakistan Turkey defence cooperation intersects with economic goals. Trade volumes have risen, targeting USD 5 billion annually. Defence industries benefit from joint ventures, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
In South Asia, this partnership aids Pakistan in balancing relations with India and Afghanistan. For Turkiye, it extends influence into Asia, complementing its Middle East role.
Challenges include Western sanctions and technology restrictions, but both countries pursue indigenous development. Currency deals in PKR and TRY on first mention facilitate transactions.
What’s Next For Pakistan Turkey Defence Cooperation
Looking ahead, the meeting sets the stage for concrete actions. Planned joint exercises in 2026 could involve naval and air components. Capacity-building initiatives may expand to cyber defence and intelligence sharing.
Analysts expect progress on the KAAN project and submarine upgrades. If the trilateral pact materialises, it could reshape regional alliances, providing collective defence against aggression.
Pakistan Turkey defence cooperation remains pivotal for navigating the volatile regional security landscape and strengthening bilateral military ties.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 31st, 2026
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