On 21 May, Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) and Turkish defence electronics manufacturer Havelsan signed a memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) to collaborate on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).[1]
Under the MoU, PAC and Havelsan will collaborate in the following domains: (1) mission computers; (2) ground control stations (GCS); (3) sensor-integration; and (4) weapon control computers.[2] They will also co-develop a ‘live, virtual and constructive (LVC) training’ system for combat aircraft.[3]
PAC and Havelsan also agreed to undertake joint-research and development (R&D) activities at the Kamra Aviation City complex, which was inaugurated by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in July 2017.[4]
The MoU joins a line of other defence agreements signed by Turkey and Pakistan, among them a number of big-ticket purchases by Pakistan, notably for 30 T129 attack helicopters and four MILGEM corvettes. In fact, Turkey has booked nearly $3 billion US in defence contracts from Pakistan.
However, this MoU between PAC and Havelsan is the first of development-oriented agreements intended to contribute towards Pakistan’s domestic defence programs. In this case, the MoU is clearly directed at supporting the medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAV program under Project Azm.[5]
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