Turkiye sees significant potential to expand defence cooperation with Azerbaijan into future air systems, including the KAAN fifth-generation fighter, ANKA III unmanned combat aircraft and Bayraktar KIZILELMA, Turkish Minister of National Defence Yaşar Guler has said.
Answering questions via email from of Daily News, published by for ADEX 2026, Guler said Ankara wants cooperation with Baku to move beyond the supply of defence equipment towards joint production, technology sharing and capacity development. Besides air systems, he said there are opportunities in satellite technology, secure communications and artificial intelligence.
Guler also said Turkiye’s defence and aerospace exports have exceeded $10 billion annually, with the country now looking to expand its international partnerships beyond direct sales into training, sustainment, systems integration, joint production and technological cooperation.
Full Interview on Page:
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Türkiye sees Azerbaijan defence model extending across Turkic world
Türkiye wants to take its defence partnership with Azerbaijan beyond equipment sales towards joint production, technology sharing and capacity development, bringing together Azerbaijani expertise and human capital with Türkiye’s research, engineering and production capabilities. Turkish Minister of National Defence Yaşar Güler said the relationship could also provide a model for wider defence cooperation and greater interoperability among members of the Organization of Turkic States.
Responding in writing to questions from Jay Menon of Daily News, published by Global Business Press for ADEX 2026, Güler also pointed to new opportunities for Türkiye and Azerbaijan in advanced air systems, unmanned technologies and space. He said the aim was to turn the two countries’ existing potential into joint projects and long-term partnerships. Excerpts from the interview:
