ShareKUWAIT: Kuwait’s defense leadership and Turkish officials discussed ways to enhance military cooperation between the two countries during two high-level meetings held on Wednesday. The meetings come as both sides look to strengthen their longstanding strategic relationship, particularly in defense and security.
First Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Minister of Interior, Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Saud Al-Sabah, hosted a meeting with General Metin Gürak, Chief of the Turkish General Staff, during the latter’s official visit to Kuwait. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral military ties and exploring new areas of collaboration. Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef expressed his appreciation for the close relationship between Kuwait and Turkey, particularly in military and defense matters, and emphasized the need for continuous cooperation.
The talks were attended by senior officials from both sides, including Major General Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, and the Turkish Ambassador to Kuwait, Tuba Sonmez.
Earlier in the day, Lieutenant General Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Deputy Chief of Staff of Kuwait’s Army, met with General Gürak for discussions on military matters of mutual interest. The two sides agreed to continue fostering cooperation across multiple defense sectors.
Kuwait and Turkey are deepening their ties across various sectors, including defense. Last November, Kuwaiti Army Deputy Chief of Staff, Air Marshal Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah and his accompanying delegation visited the Turkish Defense Industry Agency (SSB) in the capital Ankara, where he met the agency’s President Haluk Gorgun. The two sides discussed joint cooperation in defense industry and technology, as well as enhancing partnership between the two countries in the defense field, said the Ministry of Defense in a statement received by KUNA.
Turkish defense purchases
Kuwait and Turkey signed a defense cooperation agreement last May which experts said was expected to bolster Kuwait’s military capabilities while providing Turkey with an expanded presence in the Gulf region’s defense market.
The deal was formalized during a meeting between His Highness the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two leaders oversaw the signing of several agreements, including an “executive protocol” between the two countries’ defense ministries. This protocol pertains to government-to-government defense industry purchases but was not fully detailed by either side. Experts told Breaking Defense that Kuwait is particularly interested in gaining direct access to Turkey’s defense systems, as many Middle Eastern nations focus on enhancing their military strength in the face of regional instability.
Kuwait’s emphasis on “defense-to-defense” contracts with Turkey reflects its interest in transparent, direct procurement without intermediaries, according to the defense publication. While Kuwait signed a broader defense agreement with Turkey in 2018, it has been less active in purchasing defense equipment from Turkey compared to other Gulf countries. However, in 2023, Kuwait secured a significant deal for the Bayraktar TB2 drone, marking a key step in strengthening bilateral defense ties.
Turkey, looking to expand its presence in the Gulf defense market, is offering a range of modern, cost-effective weapons. Kuwait is particularly interested in acquiring drones and counter-drone technologies to address regional security challenges. There is speculation that the new agreement could also lead to enhanced training programs between the two countries, particularly in counter-terrorism, experts added. — Agencies
