Japan Eyes Turkish Drone Industry in Strategic Defense Partnership

Japan's Defense Minister Gen Nakatani visited Turkey to explore cooperation in defense industries, focusing on potential purchases of Turkish drones. This visit marks an effort to expand the role of unmanned systems in Japan's military. Talks also included enhancing military ties and technology exchange between Turkey and Japan.

Japan seeks to bolster its defense capabilities through enhanced cooperation with Turkey's defense industry, as Defense Minister Gen Nakatani visits Ankara to explore potential drone purchases from Turkish manufacturers.

Nakatani's visit, the first by a Japanese defense minister to the NATO ally, highlights Japan's intent to expand military ties beyond the Asia-Pacific region, in close cooperation with Turkey, a key player in drone technology.

While Turkey's arms industries have already supplied drones internationally, Japan is considering them for integration into its air, ground, and naval forces, furthering its use of unmanned systems in national defense.

(With inputs from agencies.)