ASFAT Inc. and Machinery and Chemical Industry Inc. (MKE), two of Turkey’s strong players in the defense industry, signed a protocol with Barzan Holding, affiliated with the Qatari Ministry of Defense, covering defense industry investments. This protocol aims to strengthen defense industry cooperation between the two countries and establish strategic partnerships through joint projects and information exchange.
Scope and Objectives of the Agreement
The agreement announced by the Ministry of National Defense covers investments in the field of defense between Turkey and Qatar. With this protocol, the two countries aim to deepen cooperation in the sector by not only developing defense products but also sharing technology and information. One of the noteworthy points of the agreement is the possibility of a third country participating in this project and contributing to existing cooperation. In this way, the development in the defense industry will expand in a way that will not only strengthen the strategic partnership of the two countries, but also the regional balance of power.
Türkiye-Qatar Relations in the Field of Defense
Defense cooperation between Turkey and Qatar has taken important steps in recent years. In particular, following the meetings between President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Qatari Minister of State for Defense Affairs Al Thani, many important agreements were signed between the two countries. At the Tenth Meeting of the Turkey-Qatar High Strategic Committee held on November 14, 2024, agreements were signed to strengthen cooperation in the field of defense. Among these, the Technical Cooperation Agreement between the Ministries of Defense and the Military Cooperation Agreement between the Ministries of Defense stand out.
Export of ULAQ Armed Unmanned Marine Vehicle
Finally, another important development in Turkey's defense industry is the development of the ARES Shipyard and METEKSAN Defense ULAQ Armed Unmanned Marine Vehicle It was about. Turkey's first unmanned marine vehicle export contract was signed with Qatar. This is Turkey's first export project in the field of unmanned marine vehicles.
The ULAQ 11 PSV Port/Base Protection Unmanned Marine Vehicle will be used by the Qatar Coast Guard and will play an important role in the protection of critical facilities and bases, as well as in missions such as reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence gathering. The platform will be equipped with advanced technologies such as a 12.7 mm automatic weapon system, radar, encrypted communication systems and autonomy software.
This cooperation between Turkey and Qatar in the defense industry will not only increase the military capacity of the two countries, but will also have long-term effects on regional security and strategic balances of power. It is expected that the new technologies and defense systems developed will be preferred by more countries in the future and regional cooperation will deepen.
