On 13 February, the Government of Pakistan and the Government of Türkiye signed 24 memorandum-of-understanding (MoU) agreements in a wide range of fields, from trade to energy development to defence.
In terms of defence, the most notable agreements included an MoU for cooperating on air force-related electronic warfare (EW) as well as an MoU between Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) and Pakistan’s Naval Research and Development Institute (NRDI).
Overall, it is unclear how much deal-making progress – if any – the MoUs represent, but these two deals could be a reflection of several ongoing Pakistani defence programs.
It is worth noting that the Turkish industry had supported Pakistan with original project work in the recent past. MilSOFT, for example, helped Pakistan develop its Link Green data-link system based on the Naval Information Exchange System (NIXS) platform. In addition, ASFAT A.Ş. helped NRDI design the Jinnah-class frigate for the PN.
There are several advantages to developing an original ASOJ platform. First, it would help the PAF with controlling the cost and deciding the exact subsystems and inputs to go into the platform. Second, the PAF would own the intellectual property (IP), allowing it to freely configure additional aircraft with the ASOJ suite in the future. Third, it would allow the PAF to closely involve local industry players, especially NASTP, into the work and give them more valuable design and integration experience.
Finally, the PAF’s general procurement trajectory has been to favour original projects across sensors, EW systems, and munitions. While an original ASOJ platform may be the most complex application, it is not beyond the realm of the PAF’s own vision, which now includes developing a homegrown airborne early warning (AEW) system.
MoU Between TUSAŞ and NRDI
Türkiye’s TUSAŞ focuses on aerospace programs, from fighter aircraft to helicopters to satellites, while the NRDI is the Pakistan Navy’s (PN) ship-design bureau. Therefore, it is unclear how these two very different entities could collaborate.
However, the PN’s emerging procurement needs could potentially hint at several areas of potential collaboration involving TUSAŞ’ product portfolio.
While the PN is inducting a diverse assortment of surface ships, from new frigates and corvettes to offshore patrol vessels (OPV), it has not yet acquired new-built helicopters for its growing fleet. Rather, the only rotary aircraft the PN acquired in recent years had been second-hand Sea King helicopters. While refurbished, the advanced age of these airframes makes the Sea Kings an unlikely fixture of the PN’s long-term needs.
Don't Stop Here. Unlock the Rest of this Analysis Immediately
To read the rest of this deep dive -- including the honest assessments and comparative analyses that Quwa Plus members rely on -- you need access.
