Japan and Turkey are exploring opportunities to expand cooperation in the defense industry. Recently, Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, during a visit to Turkey, met with Turkish National Defense Minister Yaşar Güler. According to the Japanese Ministry of Defense, the talks included discussions on the potential acquisition of Turkish drones for Japan’s Self-Defense Forces.
Tokyo is studying Ankara’s experience in developing unmanned aerial vehicles and is considering their use to strengthen its own defense capabilities in response to modern military challenges.
During his visit, Gen Nakatani toured a Turkish naval shipbuilding facility, where he was briefed on the plant’s production capabilities and infrastructure. The Ministry of Defense noted that the visit allowed Japan to assess Turkey’s ability to design and manufacture advanced systems, including drones that have already gained international recognition.
In recent years, Turkey has gained significant attention for its drone developments. Its unmanned aerial vehicles, including those supplied to Ukraine, have demonstrated effectiveness against Russian forces, drawing interest from NATO countries and others. The talks in Ankara reflect a shared interest in deepening security cooperation. Japan and Turkey plan to continue consultations in the coming days to identify specific areas for technological collaboration in defense.
Turkey’s defense industry has developed at a notably rapid pace in recent years. The country has established domestic production of its own systems and actively exports equipment tested in real combat situations, including the Bayraktar TB2 drone. Experts note that Turkey’s experience makes it a reliable partner for Tokyo, as Japan seeks proven solutions to strengthen its national security.
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Japan’s interest in drones is also evident at the domestic level. Recently, an Israeli Heron Mk II drone was spotted at Shirahama Airport during a test flight conducted by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
For Tokyo, drones are seen as a key tool for regional security. The growing military presence of China in the East China Sea, combined with North Korea’s ongoing missile tests, highlights the need for enhanced reconnaissance, strike capabilities, and greater operational flexibility.
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Source: defence-blog
