Malaysia mulling collaboration with Turkey in defense

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) - Malaysia reiterated its commitment to collaborate with Turkey’s with its defense chief saying Tuesday his country ‘will “closely work with Turkey to boost the country's defense industry.”

“Turkey was a country that was admired for its strength in defense and thus Malaysia would work together with the republic to explore areas towards this end,” Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamad Sabu was quoted by the Kuala Lumpur-based The Star as be praised Turkey’s growing defense capabilities.

"Turkey has been in the forefront of the industry, their defense industry is at NATO level, and through the joint statement made by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad during his recent visit to the country, Turkey is willing and ready to work with us,” he said.

"And we will build this partnership to enhance the [defense] industry."

The remarks come just days after Mahathir visited Turkey and held talks with the country’s president and defense industry promoters.

During his trip, the Malaysian premier was briefed about Turkish defense industry and he paid a visit to Turkish engine maker TUSAS where he toured the facilities, also known as Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI).

Mahathir also watched an airshow of unmanned air vehicles (Anka), helicopters (Atak) and planes (Hurkus) at TUSAS.

Malay Mail reported Sabu expressed interest in collaborating with Turkey with technology for equipment needed for the industry such as military transport vehicles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV).

“The details of the collaboration are yet to be finalized,” he added.