Gen. Nakatani, Japan's defense minister, will discuss defense industrial collaboration with Turkey, including the potential delivery of drones manufactured in Turkey, as Tokyo increases the use of unmanned technology in its military.
Turkey, a NATO member eager to broaden its economic and other links outside Europe and the Middle East, is the destination of Gen. Nakatani's first official visit as Japan's defense minister. The US has allies in Japan and Turkey.
Japan is evaluating Turkey's well-established competence in unmanned aircraft systems as it explores using such platforms to improve the Self-Defense Forces' capabilities for modern combat.
Nakatani plans to visit a Turkish navy shipyard on August 20 to inspect defense industrial facilities and monitor manufacturing capabilities.
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The ministry stated that the visit will allow Japanese officials to assess Turkey's capabilities to design and manufacture innovative equipment, such as drones that have received international reputation.
Turkey has become well-known for its drone technologies. Its systems, particularly those delivered to Ukraine, have proven successful against Russian forces, attracting international attention from NATO allies and other countries seeking to modernize their militaries.
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The meetings in Ankara indicate a common desire to improve bilateral security ties. The two governments will continue their conversations in the following days to look into particular areas of defense technology cooperation.
Turkey's military sector has grown dramatically in recent years, manufacturing indigenous platforms while exporting combat-proven systems like the Bayraktar TB2. security experts believe Ankara's expertise makes it a legitimate partner for Japan, which is looking for proven ways to strengthen its security posture.
Japan's interest in drones is also evident domestically. An Israeli-made Heron Mk II unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) was reportedly observed at Shirahama Airport during a test flight by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
Drones are becoming increasingly important in Tokyo's efforts to address regional security challenges. China's increasing presence in the East China Sea, combined with North Korea's continuous missile development, has highlighted the need for additional capabilities in surveillance, attack missions, and operational flexibility.