Drones and Diplomacy: Japan-Turkey Defence Industry Talks

Japan's Defence Minister, Gen Nakatani, visits Turkey to discuss defence industry cooperation, including potential Turkish drone acquisitions. This marks the first official visit of a Japanese defence minister to Turkey. Talks aim to increase defence contacts, tour facilities, and explore technological synergies, although no agreements are expected yet.

Japan's Defence Minister, Gen Nakatani, is set to engage in pivotal talks in Turkey, focusing on advancing defence industry cooperation. Central to these discussions is the potential acquisition of Turkish-made drones as Tokyo looks to diversify its unmanned systems within its armed forces.

Significantly, Nakatani becomes the first Japanese Defence Minister to officially visit Turkey. The dialogue with Turkey's Defence Minister, Yasar Guler, will explore avenues for enhancing defence equipment and technology exchange, reflecting both nations' status as U.S. allies. Dialogue will also include regional developments and stepping up military contact at the unit level.

While no immediate agreements on drones are expected, Nakatani's visit, part of a broader regional tour including Djibouti and Jordan, underscores Japan's strategic intentions of integrating UAVs into its military framework. Additionally, both countries' stances on Russia's Ukraine invasion highlight their nuanced foreign policy dynamics.

(With inputs from agencies.)