Japan discusses military ties, drones with Turkey

Japan's defence minister discussed defence industry cooperation and possible purchases of Turkish-made drones during a visit to Ankara on Tuesday, as Tokyo expands the role of unmanned systems in its armed forces.

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Gen Nakatani is the first Japanese defence minister to make an official trip to Turkey, a NATO member country that is keen to expand economic and other ties beyond Europe and the Middle East. Turkey and Japan are both US allies.

Ahead of the visit, a diplomatic source in Ankara said the two countries’ defence ministers would “discuss ways to expand cooperation on defence equipment and technology and exchange views on regional developments”.

They also aim to increase contacts between the Turkish Armed Forces and Japan's Self-Defense Forces at unit level, the source said.

Nakatani will also visit Istanbul on Wednesday and tour defence companies and facilities, including Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), navy shipyards and drone-maker Baykar, a Turk ish Defence Ministry official said.

“Defence industry cooperation will be on the agenda...” the official said. “They will hold inspections regarding drones, but an agreement is not expected. It is too early for an agreement.” Turkey-backed firms have supplied drones to several countries, including Ukraine, while Japan is preparing to expand the use of unmanned aerial vehicles across its ground, air and naval forces.