On July 24, 2025, Pakistan’s Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) and Turkey’s Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKE) entered into a pivotal agreement centred on the supply of aerospace munitions.
This deal, formalised during the IDEF 2025 Defence Exhibition in Istanbul, reflects a deepening strategic partnership between the two nations, aimed at bolstering bilateral defence collaboration and tapping into homegrown expertise in precision-guided and advanced munition technologies.
The agreement builds on a foundation of prior cooperation and positions both countries to enhance their defence capabilities through shared technological strengths. GIDS stands as Pakistan’s foremost state-owned defence conglomerate, headquartered in Rawalpindi since its inception in 2007. It plays a central role in the nation’s military manufacturing landscape, producing an array of equipment ranging from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to guided missiles and munitions.
Pakistan’s largest state-owned arms manufacturer, GIDS, is involved in the development, production, and export of various defence systems, including air, land, and naval systems. They are known for their work in areas such as UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), security products, and riot control systems. GIDS also participates in international arms expositions.
Meanwhile, MKE, the Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation of Turkey, serves as Turkey’s leading defence manufacturer, equipping the Turkish Armed Forces with a variety of munitions, including aerial bombs and systems tailored for drone operations. With exports reaching over 40 countries and generating $639 million in 2024, MKE has earned a place among the top 100 global defence firms, making it a reliable partner for Pakistan’s defence needs. MKE manufactures a wide range of defence and industrial products. Their offerings include small arms, ammunition, artillery systems, and other military equipment, as well as civil-purpose products like steel, brass, and electrical components. MKE products are known for their quality and are used by the Turkish Armed Forces and exported to numerous countries.
The core of this July 2025 agreement lies in the provision of aerospace munitions, with a clear emphasis on aerial bombs and drone-compatible systems. This follows a pattern of collaboration between Pakistan and Turkey, 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.
The partnership between GIDS and MKE is more than a transactional exchange; it reflects a shared ambition to reduce reliance on Western defence suppliers while fostering self-sufficiency. Turkey’s defence industry has seen 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, emphasises 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.
The presence of both entities at IDEF 2025 provided a fitting stage for this agreement, reinforcing their commitment to mutual growth in the defence sector. The timing of this deal also aligns with broader trends in the global defence market, where demand for advanced munitions is rising amid geopolitical tensions and the need for precision strike capabilities.
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.
In wrapping up, the agreement between GIDS and MKE marks a meaningful advancement for Pakistan and Turkey, enhancing Pakistan’s defence capabilities while cementing Turkey’s role as a trusted supplier of cutting-edge munitions. 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. 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.