Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Indonesia Sign Badr Defence Cooperation Agreement
Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Indonesia have signed a new defence cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening military capabilities, expanding defence industry partnerships and promoting joint production and technology development.
The Turkish Defence Ministry announced on Wednesday that the four countries signed the Badr Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Doha, describing the agreement as a reflection of their shared commitment to deepening cooperation and developing strategic partnerships.
According to the ministry, the agreement will promote collaboration in military production, technical training, research and development. It is also expected to improve the defence industries of the participating countries by combining their respective manufacturing expertise and technological capabilities.
The initiative aims to move cooperation beyond the purchase and supply of military equipment towards joint manufacturing, technology transfer, improved operational compatibility and stronger supply chains.
The ministry said the agreement could also help the countries meet the defence requirements of their allies and partner nations while supporting economic growth through industrial collaboration.
Türkiye has developed a significant defence manufacturing sector and maintains close military ties with Qatar, where it operates a military base. Ankara has also expanded its defence partnerships with Pakistan and Indonesia through equipment development, military training and joint production projects.
The Badr agreement represents another step in Türkiye’s efforts to strengthen multilateral defence cooperation and expand partnerships with countries across Asia and the Middle East.
Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye deepen security ties
The new agreement follows the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye on August 7.
The trilateral arrangement seeks to strengthen collective deterrence, improve military coordination and enhance security cooperation among the three countries. Its provisions establish a framework for mutual assistance in the event of aggression against a participating country.
Pakistan and Türkiye already maintain extensive defence ties, including military training, naval cooperation and the development of defence equipment. Islamabad has also maintained long-standing military cooperation with Saudi Arabia.
In recent years, Türkiye has expanded its defence exports to several countries, with drones, naval vessels and other military systems becoming important elements of its international partnerships.
Türkiye’s defence exports record strong growth
Türkiye’s defence and aerospace industry has experienced substantial export growth in recent years.
According to figures cited by the Turkish defence industry, exports from 2012 through the first nine months of 2026 reached approximately $54 billion. More than $30 billion of that total was recorded between 2023 and 2026.
The sector’s defence and aerospace exports increased by 48% year-on-year in 2025, exceeding $10 billion. Exports over the latest 12-month period also surpassed $11 billion for the first time, according to the reported figures.
Data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) also indicates that Türkiye has significantly expanded its international arms exports, strengthening its position in the global defence market.
Türkiye and Qatar expand defence industry cooperation
Qatar has developed a broad defence partnership with Türkiye, including the acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 armed drones, armoured vehicles and fast attack craft for its armed forces.
The two countries have also encouraged collaboration between defence manufacturers. Barzan Holdings, a company affiliated with Qatar’s Defence Ministry, has signed cooperation agreements with Turkish firms, including Aselsan, STM and MKE.
A joint venture between Aselsan and Barzan Holdings, known as BARQ, has undertaken local assembly, production and calibration activities involving remote-controlled weapon systems and electro-optical equipment.
These initiatives demonstrate how defence cooperation can extend beyond equipment purchases to include local manufacturing, technical expertise and industrial development.
Pakistan and Türkiye strengthen naval cooperation
The Pakistan Navy’s MILGEM programme is one of the most prominent examples of defence cooperation between Islamabad and Ankara.
Under the four-vessel Babur-class corvette project, Turkish defence contractor ASFAT led the programme, with two vessels built in Istanbul and the remaining two constructed at Karachi Shipyard.
The project also supported improvements to Pakistan’s shipbuilding infrastructure and helped develop local engineering and manufacturing expertise.
The cooperation is intended to strengthen Pakistan’s domestic naval production capabilities while providing modern vessels for its maritime security requirements.
Türkiye and Indonesia collaborate on tank production
Türkiye and Indonesia have also established a partnership in the development of the KAPLAN MT medium-weight tank.
The project was jointly developed by Türkiye’s FNSS and Indonesia’s PT Pindad under an intergovernmental agreement involving the two countries’ defence authorities.
Following the development and delivery of prototypes and initial production vehicles, manufacturing has continued in Indonesia under a technology transfer arrangement.
The project highlights the growing emphasis on joint development and domestic manufacturing in international defence partnerships.
With the signing of the Badr MoU, Pakistan, Türkiye, Qatar and Indonesia are seeking to build on their existing military relationships and expand cooperation in defence production, research, training and technology. The agreement provides a framework for closer industrial collaboration as the four countries pursue their respective security and defence objectives.
