Azhar Zeeshan<\/p>\n
To gain an insight into the nature of the relationship between Pakistan and Turkey, there is perhaps no other thing as illus\u00adtrative as the words of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which he uttered at the time of the appointment of the first Turkish ambassador to Pakistan in March 1948. To put it in his words: \u201cTurkey has drawn our admiration for the valour of Turkish people and how your leaders have fought almost single-handed amid in Europe for your freedom. I really can as\u00adsure your excellence that the Muslims of Pakistan will en\u00adtertain sentiments of affection for your country and now Turkey and Pakistan both as independent countries can strengthen their ties more and more for the good of both.\u201d
\nSince the 1950s, the relationship between Turkey and Paki\u00adstan has prospered, rooted in a shared sense of brotherhood forged by a common religion, Islam. Both nations have a rich history of supporting each other on critical issues within international bodies such as the OIC and the UN. Notably, Turkey has consistently sup\u00adported Pakistan\u2019s stance on the Kashmir issue, while Pakistan has reciprocated by expressing solidarity with Turkey\u2019s policies regard\u00ading Northern Cyprus. However, apart from these important areas of convergence, there has arisen, in recent years, another important area that is playing a crucial in bringing the two countries further closer to one another: the aviation industry.
\nIn the last couple of years, both countries have increased collabo\u00adration in the aviation sector with Turkiye making significant inroads in Pakistan\u2019s aviation industry, especially in the defence sector, with multiple MoUs, and agreements signed with Pakistani organiza\u00adtions. For instance, in February 2020, the renowned Turkish Aero\u00adspace Industries (TAI) created a research and development section at Pakistan\u2019s National University of Science and Technology focused on joint research, and training leading to technology transfer in the fields of cybersecurity, drone surveillance, and radar technology.
\nSimilarly in August 2023, when Pakistan Air Force (PAF) inaugu\u00adrated its flagship project, the National Aerospace Science & Technol\u00adogy Park (NASTP), located at PAF Nur Khan Air Base in Rawalpin\u00addi, two prominent Turkish companies in defence aviation, Turkish Aerospace Industries and Baykar Technologies, established their offices within the park. Notably, Baykar Technologies, renowned for manufacturing the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci Unmanned Com\u00adbat Aerial Vehicles (UCAVs) now integrated into PAF\u2019s arsenal, also set up a Joint Loitering Munition Design and Development Centre at NASTP in collaboration with PAF\u2019s Aviation Research, Indigeniza\u00adtion & Development (AvRID) Division.
\nIn collaboration with Pakistani firms, these companies are active\u00adly involved in Research and Development activities, thereby contrib\u00aduting to the advancement of Pakistan\u2019s aviation ecosystem through mutual innovation and the cultivation of high-end technology capa\u00adbilities. One notable outcome of this collaboration is the develop\u00adment of KaGem V3, an air-launched missile reportedly jointly engi\u00adneered by NASTP and Baykar.
\nBesides carrying out research and development activities, these companies are also engaged with Pakistan for the co-production of aircraft components, and combat jets. For instance, at the 2023 In\u00adternational Defence Industry Fair, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) Kamra signed an agreement with TAI for the joint develop\u00adment of various cutting-edge aircraft components. An agreement of a similar nature was also signed between TAI and the National En\u00adgineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM) in 2021 for the pro\u00adduction of ANKA UAV parts. Furthermore, there are also reports of collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey, focusing on the train\u00ading of human resources, on the development of fighter aircraft.
\nMoreover, there is also potential for joint investment in infrastructure development, such as airport modernization projects especially when the government of Pakistan is exploring options for outsourcing the management of the country\u2019s major airports. Such investments hold mutual benefits for both nations. For example, Pakistan\u2019s air transport sector, currently contributing $3.3 billion to the country\u2019s GDP, is pro\u00adjected to grow by 184 percent growth over the next twenty years. This expansion is expected to add $9.3 billion to Pakistan\u2019s GDP and could potentially generate 786,300 jobs. Pakistan can fully capitalize on this burgeoning air transport market by leveraging Turkish expertise in air\u00adport management. Conversely, by providing expertise in airport man\u00adagement and collaborating with Pakistani partners, Turkey can estab\u00adlish a foothold in this growing market, potentially leading to increased trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.
\nThe writer is a researcher at the Centre for Aerospace and Security Studies (CASS), Lahore. He can be reached at info@casslhr.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Azhar Zeeshan To gain an insight into the nature of the relationship between Pakistan and Turkey, there is perhaps no other thing as illus\u00adtrative as the words of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, which he uttered at the time of the appointment of the first Turkish ambassador to Pakistan in March 1948. To put it in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[13291],"class_list":{"0":"post-396972","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-article","7":"tag-azhar-zeeshan"},"yoast_head":"\n