The Turkish defence industry has a dynamic presence at the World Defence Show 2024 in Saudi Arabia. A total of 65 Turkish companies participate in the exhibition, while it is worth mentioning that 4 Greek companies also take part in the exhibition.

The Turkish industry already signed contracts with Gulf and Middle Eastern countries and is looking to expand its operations. During the exhibition, a cooperation agreement was signed between Turkey and GDIS (Global Industrial Defense Solutions), Pakistan’s largest state-owned group of companies.

It is worth recalling that in August 2023, the Saudi Assistant Minister of Defence, Talal Al Otaibi, the Chief of General Staff of the Pakistani Army, Lieutenant General Muhammad Saeed, and the Turkish Deputy Minister of Defence, Celal Sami Tüfekçi, met in Riyadh and discussed strengthening the tripartite defence cooperation of Turkey – Saudi Arabia – Pakistan.

Reports in English-language defence media say that the Saudi Arabian Armed Forces and the Turkish military showed particular interest in the Fatah-II multiple rocket launchers (MLRS) at the exhibition. The Fatah-II system is one of the latest achievements of Pakistan’s defence industry.

The program for the Fatah system was launched by Pakistan in 2021. At the end of December 2023 test firings were carried out and, according to official announcements, its maximum range can reach up to 400 km, a major improvement as Fatah-I could reach up to 140 km. Its effective range is estimated at 300 km. The issue was also covered by the Turkish news agency Anadolu.

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