On July 24, 2025, Pakistan’s Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) and Turkey’s Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) formalised a strategic agreement at the IDEF 2025 Defence Exhibition in Istanbul. The deal, focused on the supply of aerospace munitions, underscores a deepening partnership between the two nations, aimed at strengthening defence collaboration and leveraging their respective expertise in precision-guided and advanced munition technologies.
GIDS, Pakistan’s state-owned defence conglomerate headquartered in Rawalpindi, is a cornerstone of the nation’s military manufacturing sector. The company produces a wide range of defence equipment, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), guided missiles, and munitions. Meanwhile, MKE, Turkey’s leading defence manufacturer, equips the Turkish Armed Forces with munitions such as aerial bombs and drone-compatible systems. With exports reaching over 40 countries and generating $639 million in 2024, MKE ranks among the top 100 global defence firms, making it a formidable partner for Pakistan.
The agreement centres on the provision of aerospace munitions, particularly aerial bombs and drone-compatible systems. This follows a pattern of collaboration, as seen in the November 2024 deal with Turkish firm Repkon for the production of 155mm artillery shells. That earlier partnership laid the groundwork for Turkey’s expanding role as a supplier of munitions and technology to Pakistan, a trend that continues with this latest contract.
Beyond a transactional exchange, this partnership reflects a shared ambition to reduce reliance on Western defence suppliers while fostering self-sufficiency. Turkey’s defence industry has experienced rapid growth, with MKE playing a key role in meeting both domestic and international demand. For Pakistan, collaborating with MKE provides access to advanced technologies that align with NATO standards, ensuring seamless integration with its current fleet. There is also potential for this agreement to evolve into co-production or technology transfer arrangements, which could further elevate Pakistan’s domestic defence manufacturing capabilities over time.
The signing of this contract at IDEF 2025, a major global defence exhibition, underscores the strengthening ties between Pakistan and Turkey. GIDS, under the leadership of CEO Asad Kamal—who has been recognised as one of Pakistan’s top-performing CEOs by CEO Club Pakistan—frequently showcases its products at arms expositions across the Middle East and Africa. This visibility has helped position GIDS as a key player in Pakistan’s defence export strategy, making it an ideal counterpart for MKE in this collaboration.
At IDEF 2025, GIDS presented a broad range of Pakistan’s indigenously developed defence systems, drawing significant attention from regional and international delegations. At the forefront of its display were the Shahpar-II (Block-II) Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV, Ranger VTOL UAV, Spider Anti-UAV System, and the Fatah-II Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS). These systems highlight Pakistan’s growing capability in unmanned technologies, counter-drone warfare, and precision strike solutions.
Deloitte’s 2025 Aerospace and Defence Industry Outlook points to the increasing use of unmanned systems and smart munitions, a shift that Pakistan is embracing through its focus on drone-compatible technologies. This positions the country to address asymmetrical warfare challenges effectively, leveraging MKE’s expertise to stay ahead in a competitive landscape.
“This is more than a transactional exchange; it reflects a shared ambition to reduce reliance on Western defence suppliers while fostering self-sufficiency,” said a spokesperson for GIDS. “By tapping into MKE’s proficiency in aerospace munitions and drone-compatible systems, Pakistan stands to improve its precision strike options, particularly through its expanding fleet of Turkish drones.”
The agreement between GIDS and MKE marks a meaningful advancement for both nations, enhancing Pakistan’s defence capabilities while cementing Turkey’s role as a trusted supplier of cutting-edge munitions. This collaboration not only deepens the defence relationship between the two nations but also lays the groundwork for future joint efforts, potentially reshaping their defence industries for years to come.
