Ukraine is preparing to add another batch of Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and also acquire Turkish-made corvettes to further strengthen its navy thanks to new agreements between the two countries.
Defense officials of the two countries signed the deals during a visit to the capital Kyiv by Ismail Demir, the head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), the authority said Friday.
“Defense industry cooperation between Turkey and Ukraine continues to rise,” the SSB wrote on Twitter.
Under the procurement deal, Ukraine aims to strengthen its navy to boost security in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
To help improve the capabilities of its naval forces, Ukraine is said to be looking to purchase corvettes built under Turkey’s MİLGEM (National Ship) marine platforms project.
Ukraine has worked to rebuild its navy amid tension with rival Russia in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov.
Speaking ahead of a meeting using the quadriga format between the foreign ministers and defense ministers of Ukraine and Turkey in the capital Kyiv, Ukrainian Defense Minister Andriy Taran said Turkey can help Ukraine meet its main goal of becoming a NATO member.
“Turkey is a key NATO member and can help Ukraine in this regard. Therefore, we are open to increasing cooperation in all areas,” said Taran.
He said they have decided to acquire Turkish-made UAVs after Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy decided to modernize the country’s army.
“There is no need to convince anyone that Turkish UAVs are the most effective modern weapons. Everyone saw this in Syria, Libya, and most recently in the fighting in Nagorno-Karabakh,” Taran said.
