By: Drishti Gupta, Research Analyst, GSDN

In today’s changing world, the strong military partnership between Turkey and Pakistan stands out as a key relationship between two major Muslim nations. While both countries share cultural and religious ties, their military cooperation goes beyond that. It is shaped by history, shared goals, and the need to respond to regional and global challenges together.

This article explains why Turkey supports Pakistan militarily by looking at their historical connections, strategic interests, political systems, and growing defense cooperation.

A History of Military Ties

The friendship between Turkey and Pakistan began soon after Pakistan became independent in 1947. In 1955, both countries joined the Baghdad Pact, later known as CENTO, along with other U.S.-allied countries. This marked the beginning of their military relationship based on collective security during the Cold War.

Turkey helped Pakistan gain access to Western military aid in the 1950s. One study from that period highlights how Turkey supported a broader defense partnership with Pakistan and other Muslim nations in the region.

Since then, Turkey has supported Pakistan during major conflicts with India, and Pakistan has backed Turkey on issues such as Northern Cyprus. This mutual support shows how military cooperation also reflects political solidarity.

Similar Military and Political Backgrounds

Turkey and Pakistan both have a history of strong military influence in their politics. In both countries, the armed forces have played leading roles in shaping national policy, often stepping in during political crises. Scholars point out that in both countries, the military has seen itself as a protector of national identity secularism in Turkey, and Islamic nationalism in Pakistan.

Because their military institutions have similar roles, this makes it easier for both countries to cooperate, exchange training, and understand each other’s defense strategies.

Defense Production and Technology Sharing

In recent years, Turkey and Pakistan have taken big steps toward working together on defense production and military modernization:

• Naval Projects: Pakistan signed a US$ 1.5 billion deal with Turkey in 2018 to buy four MILGEM-class warships. These ships are being partly built in Karachi, showing Turkey’s willingness to share military technology.

• Helicopters and Drones: Pakistan agreed to buy Turkish-made T129 ATAK helicopters, and both sides have shown interest in joint drone production, especially Turkey’s well-known Bayraktar TB2 drones.

• Training and Exercises: Turkish military schools train Pakistani officers, and the two armies often hold joint drills such as the “Ataturk” exercises.

These actions show a high level of trust and commitment. Pakistan normally only works this closely on military technology with countries like China.

Religious and Cultural Bonds

Religion and shared cultural values also play a role. Both countries see each other as part of the wider Muslim Ummah (community). Turkey openly supports Pakistan on the Kashmir issue, while Pakistan supports Turkey’s position on Cyprus and its internal security matters. This mutual respect and Islamic brotherhood help strengthen their military alliance. As one Turkish analyst put it, “Turkey is our friend and a brother Muslim country,” which makes its support more trustworthy to Pakistanis.

Countering Regional Rivals

One reason for closer defense ties is that both countries face strong regional rivals. Pakistan sees India as its main competitor, while Turkey has tense relations with Greece, Cyprus, and sometimes Israel. By working together, Turkey and Pakistan can balance the influence of these other powers. For example, Turkish drones and ships give Pakistan better tools to defend its borders and sea routes. In return, Turkey benefits from Pakistan’s military experience and regional connections.

A Changing World Order

The world is moving away from U.S.-led global dominance toward a multipolar system, where regional powers like China, Russia, and India are rising. Both Turkey and Pakistan are adjusting to this shift.

• Turkey, once closely aligned with NATO and the U.S., has moved toward a more independent foreign policy. Its military cooperation with Russia, and its growing role in regional conflicts, shows this change.

• Pakistan, similarly, has moved away from relying on U.S. support and is now more deeply engaged with China, Russia, and Central Asian countries through platforms like the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

This shift makes it natural for both countries to build stronger defense ties outside Western alliances. As one study notes, military cooperation between Turkey and Pakistan helps them protect their national interests in a world where the West no longer dominates global politics.

Strategic Significance of Pakistan’s Nuclear Status

Turkey is not a nuclear power, but Pakistan is. Some experts wonder if Turkey sees its relationship with Pakistan to learn from its nuclear experience or at least benefit from its strategic position.

Although no official nuclear cooperation has been reported, their military closeness raises questions about whether deeper defense collaboration could eventually include such discussions especially as Turkey invests more in missile and drone technology.

Political Leadership and National Identity

Domestic politics also play a role in the military relationship. Both Turkey and Pakistan are led by governments that promote strong nationalist narratives, often centered around military strength and independence.

Leaders in both countries such as President Erdoğan in Turkey and the military-backed leadership in Pakistan support stronger military cooperation as part of a broader nationalist and Islamic vision. Their messages focus on self-reliance, strong defense, and Islamic values, which appeal to large sections of their populations. Joint defense projects, especially with Muslim allies, help strengthen this image.

At home, both countries also face internal security threats, like terrorism and insurgency. Sharing counterinsurgency strategies and training makes practical sense.

Conclusion: A Growing Strategic Brotherhood

Turkey’s military support for Pakistan is not just about selling weapons. It’s part of a deep, long-term partnership based on shared history, similar political systems, Islamic solidarity, and common strategic interests. As the global order changes, both countries are working to protect their regional positions and reduce their dependence on Western alliances. Their growing military cooperation reflects these goals.

However, challenges remain. Turkey’s ties with NATO are uncertain, and Pakistan’s economic problems could affect future defense deals. Also, strong military influence in both countries can raise concerns about democracy and civilian control.

Still, the military relationship between Turkey and Pakistan is likely to grow stronger in the coming years. It stands as a powerful example of how two nations with shared values and goals can build a lasting strategic partnership.