Turkey Seeks $6 Billion Defense Deal with Saudi Arabia, Including Warships, Tanks, and Missiles

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Turkey is aiming to finalize a $6 billion defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, which could include the sale of warships, tanks, and missile systems, according to a report by Bloomberg citing Turkish officials familiar with the matter. The potential deal may also see Saudi Arabia join Turkey’s fighter jet development program.

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan is expected to visit Saudi Arabia around March, where the agreement could be signed, the officials said. This follows growing cooperation between the two nations, who have been strengthening ties in recent years.

Turkey, eager to expand its defense industry, views Saudi Arabia—a leading global arms importer—as a significant market. In 2023, the countries signed a deal for Saudi Arabia to acquire high-altitude drones from Turkish defense firm Baykar. Now, Turkey is seeking to export its Altay main battle tanks and missile defense systems to the kingdom.

Ankara is also keen for Saudi Arabia to partner in the development of its fifth-generation fighter jet, Kaan. While the jet’s first test flight occurred last year, it is not expected to become operational for several years. Turkish officials suggested other nations may also join the program, which involves collaboration with BAE Systems.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan is expected to visit Saudi Arabia this week to discuss the proposed agreement, officials said.

Relations between Ankara and Riyadh have warmed significantly after years of strain following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi by Saudi agents in Istanbul. The Saudi government has not commented on the potential deal, and Turkey’s Defense Ministry also declined to provide a statement.

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