Japan’s Defense Minister Gen Nakatani paid an official visit to Turkey this week, marking the first trip to the country at the ministerial level from Tokyo. The visit underscored growing opportunities for cooperation between the two nations in the field of defense.
Following his talks in Ankara with Turkish Defense Minister Yaşar Güler, Minister Nakatani traveled to Istanbul, where he and his delegation visited the Istanbul Naval Shipyard Command. Welcomed by Rear Admiral Recep Erdinç Yetkin, Nakatani examined a model of Turkey’s indigenous aircraft carrier project and took part in a symbolic welding ceremony.
The Japanese delegation also visited leading Turkish defense companies. At the Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center, Baykar Chairman of the Board Selçuk Bayraktar and CEO Haluk Bayraktar briefed the minister on the company’s work and unmanned aerial systems. Haluk Bayraktar later described the meeting as “a very special day for Baykar” and said the talks had been “extremely productive.” The visit was also attended by Turkish Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB) Chairman Haluk Görgün.
Nakatani’s itinerary included a stop at Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), where he was introduced to a wide range of Turkish defense projects. Japanese media reported that the minister received detailed information on several of Turkey’s defense industry products, particularly unmanned aerial vehicles that have attracted worldwide attention.
During his earlier meetings at Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense, Nakatani also reviewed photographs of the systems showcased.
Observers note that the visit highlights Japan’s growing interest in Turkey’s rapidly developing defense sector and may pave the way for future cooperation between the two countries.
