Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani will hold talks in Türkiye on Tuesday on defense industry cooperation, including the possible supply of Turkish-made drones, as Tokyo expands the role of unmanned systems in its armed forces, a diplomatic source said, Report informs referring to Al Arabiya.
During the visit, Nakatani will tour Turkish defense companies and facilities including Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), navy shipyards and drone maker Baykar, an industry source said.
Türkiye-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.
Japan is considering Turkish drones among potential options as part of this effort, the diplomatic source said.
According to the Turkish Defense Ministry, a meeting between Gen Nakatani and the head of the Turkish department, Yasar Guler, has already begun in Ankara. The parties will discuss ways to expand cooperation in the defense industry 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 added. Nakatani is also scheduled to visit Istanbul on Wednesday.