Japan’s defence minister in Türkiye to explore drone cooperation

Japan’s Defence Minister Gen Nakatani arrived in Türkiye on August 19, where he held talks with Turkish Defence Minister Yaşar Güler on expanding cooperation in the defence sector.

According to the Turkish Defence Ministry, cited by foreign media, the discussions included the potential purchase of Turkish-made drones for Japan’s Self-Defence Forces. Tokyo is evaluating Türkiye’s well-established expertise in unmanned aerial systems as it considers incorporating such platforms to bolster the Self-Defence Forces’ readiness for modern warfare.

As part of his visit, Nakatani is scheduled to tour a Turkish naval shipyard on August 20. During the visit, he will review the country’s defence industrial facilities and assess its production capabilities.

The ministry noted that the inspection will allow Japanese officials to directly evaluate Türkiye’s ability to design and manufacture advanced defence systems, including drones that have gained international recognition.

Türkiye has emerged as a global player in drone technology, with systems such as the Bayraktar TB2 achieving international demand. These drones, including those supplied to Ukraine, have been used effectively against Russian forces, drawing attention from NATO allies and other countries seeking to modernise their militaries.

The talks in Ankara reflect a mutual interest in deepening bilateral security cooperation. Officials from both governments are expected to continue consultations in the coming days to identify specific areas of defence technology collaboration.

In recent years, Türkiye’s defence industry has advanced rapidly, producing a range of indigenous platforms and exporting combat-tested systems. Analysts note that Ankara’s growing experience in this field makes it a credible partner for Japan, which is looking for reliable solutions to reinforce its defence posture.

Japan’s interest in drones is also visible domestically. A Heron Mk II unmanned aerial vehicle, produced by Israel, was recently spotted at Shirahama Airport during a test flight conducted by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. For Tokyo, drones are increasingly seen as vital tools for addressing regional security threats. China’s expanding presence in the East China Sea and North Korea’s ongoing missile development highlight the need for enhanced capabilities in surveillance, strike operations, and operational flexibility.

Nakatani’s stop in Türkiye forms part of a broader regional tour from August 17 to 22, which also includes visits to Djibouti and Jordan.

By Tamilla Hasanova