Turkey to Supply Combat Drones and Technology to Egypt
Turkey has agreed to provide combat drones and other cutting-edge technologies to Egypt, marking a pivotal moment in the normalization of diplomatic relations.
Unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) Baykar Bayraktar TB3, domestically produced, performs fifth test flight, which it flew with the landing gear closed for the first time, in Istanbul, Turkiye on November 10, 2023. Photo by Anadolu Images.
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n a new development, Turkey has agreed to provide combat drones and other cutting-edge technologies to Egypt, marking a pivotal moment in the normalization of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan confirmed this announcement on Sunday, highlighting the importance of the burgeoning ties and the potential for technological collaboration.
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is scheduled to visit Egypt on February 14, a historic trip that signifies the restoration of diplomatic relations after a decade of strained ties. The relations between Turkey and Egypt had been tense since the 2013 military coup that ousted the late Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi, leading to a prolonged period of diplomatic standoff.
Fidan, in an interview with private A Haber television, stated that the normalization of relations holds significant importance for Egypt to gain access to specific technologies. He expressed that Turkey and Egypt have reached an agreement to provide unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, and other advanced technologies. While the details of the technological collaboration were not explicitly outlined, the move suggests a deepening of cooperation in various sectors, including defense.
Demand for Turkey’s drones
The demand for Turkey’s drones has soared on the international stage, gaining recognition for their effectiveness in conflicts across regions such as Syria, Libya, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine. Turkey’s drones, particularly the Bayraktar TB2 developed by Baykar, have played pivotal roles in altering the course of conflicts, making Turkey a major global supplier in the defense industry.
The Bayraktar TB2, known for its long endurance, operational altitude, and versatility, has been instrumental in conflicts where it demonstrated its capability to neutralize advanced anti-aircraft systems, artillery, and armored vehicles. Baykar, the developer of these drones, has successfully exported them to more than 30 countries, solidifying Turkey’s position as a key player in the global defense market.
President Erdoğan’s upcoming visit to Egypt is expected to address various bilateral and regional issues, including trade, energy, and security. The commitment to providing combat drones and advanced technology underscores the depth of the evolving partnership between Turkey and Egypt.
Turkey’s ambition to become self-reliant
This move also reflects Turkey’s ambition to become a self-reliant defense industry powerhouse, with technologies ranging from UAVs to fighter jets and warships. The collaborative efforts between Turkey and Egypt are anticipated to extend beyond defense, contributing to mutual economic and strategic interests.
As Turkey continues to expand its global influence through technological collaborations and diplomatic initiatives, the visit of President Erdoğan to Egypt holds the promise of further cementing ties and fostering a new era of cooperation between the two nations. The potential sale of Turkey’s advanced drones to Egypt is not only a strategic move for both countries but also underscores the transformative impact of Turkey’s defense industry on the geopolitical landscape.
Sources: Daily Sabah and Reuters
