Turkey eyes drone assembly hub in Pakistan

Proposed plan would see Turkey exporting sophisticated and long-endurance drone platforms for assembly in Pakistan

07 December 2025
Turkey eyes drone assembly hub in Pakistan

Turkey is reportedly in advanced talks to set up a facility in Pakistan to assemble Turkish-made combat drones, Bloomberg reported, citing officials familiar with the discussions.

This move is part of Ankara’s strategy to expand its fast-growing defense industry into new international markets.

According to sources, the proposed plan would see Turkey exporting sophisticated and long-endurance drone platforms for assembly in Pakistan. The officials, speaking anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the talks, noted that discussions have gained significant momentum since October.

Both Turkey’s Defense Ministry and Pakistan’s Information Minister declined to comment on the ongoing negotiations.

The potential collaboration comes as Turkey’s defense and aerospace exports surge to unprecedented levels. Data released on Thursday revealed that exports between January and November grew 30% compared to the same period last year, surpassing Turkey’s previous records even before the end of 2025.

Experts say this jump reflects Turkey’s continued investments in munitions manufacturing, drones, and aerospace technologies—sectors that Ankara increasingly promotes as symbols of self-reliance and strategic influence. Haluk Görgün, head of the Presidency of the Defense Industry (SSB), called the numbers a “major record” for the sector in a post on X.

Baykar, Turkey’s leading drone manufacturer, has so far exported drones to around 35 countries. Its drones have been deployed in conflicts in Azerbaijan, Libya, and Ukraine. Baykar is co-owned by Selçuk Bayraktar, who is also the son-in-law of President Recep Tayyip ErdoÄŸan.