Türkiye reportedly eyes $6B defense deal with Saudi Arabia
Türkiye's domestically built Altay main battle tank with Akkor active protection system on it. (BMC Photo)
Türkiye is pursuing a $6 billion defense deal with Saudi Arabia that could involve the sale of tanks, warships, and missiles, as well as a partnership in Türkiye’s fighter jet program, according to officials familiar with the discussions speaking to Bloomberg.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is expected to visit Saudi Arabia in March to finalize the agreement, the officials said.
The deal is seen as a strategic step in Türkiye’s effort to expand its defense industry and solidify its ties with one of the world’s largest arms importers.
Potential partnership in Türkiye’s KAAN fighter jet program
Saudi Arabia is reportedly interested in joining Türkiye’s 5th generation KAAN fighter jet program, which aims to deliver advanced combat capabilities.
The program conducted its first test flight last year but is expected to take years to reach full operational capability.
The proposed partnership could enhance Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals to localize military production.
Past defense collaborations between Türkiye and Saudi Arabia
In 2023, Saudi Arabia signed a $3 billion agreement with Baykar, a leading Turkish drone manufacturer, to procure Akinci unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
This partnership includes technology transfer, joint production, and the local manufacturing of 70% of Akinci components within Saudi Arabia, according to the Saudi Military Industries (SAMI).
Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar described the collaboration as “an important step toward strengthening ties between our nations while contributing to regional and global peace.”
Other defense deals on the table
In addition to UAVs, Türkiye is keen to sell its Altay main battle tank and missile defense systems to Saudi Arabia. Officials highlighted that these systems would enhance Saudi Arabia’s defense capabilities while supporting Türkiye’s growing defense exports.
The agreement also includes discussions on furthering the two nations’ cooperation in high-tech development and defense production, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s plans to diversify its economy and increase local manufacturing capacities.
The relationship between Ankara and Riyadh has improved significantly in recent years, following tensions over the 2018 killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
