Overview

• Japan’s Defense Ministry said the Aug. 19 talks in Ankara included the possible procurement of Turkish-made drones for the Self-Defense Forces.
• Gen Nakatani, on the first official trip by a Japanese defense minister to Turkey, is touring TUSAS, Baykar and navy shipyards, with an Istanbul stop and a shipyard visit set for Aug. 20.
• Both governments are pursuing broader defense-equipment and technology cooperation and closer unit-level contacts between their armed forces.
• Interest in Turkish platforms is shaped by their combat record in Ukraine, which is informing Tokyo’s evaluation of unmanned options.
• Japan is also testing other UAVs, with Kawasaki Heavy Industries recently flying an Israeli Heron Mk II at Shirahama Airport.