Technical and industrial relations between Turkey and Kazakhstan are witnessing a new phase of strategic integration, as cooperation agreements in the defense industry sector are transforming into joint local manufacturing projects and the transfer of technical expertise, thereby moving beyond the concept of supplying finished products to building sustainable technical infrastructure.
Field developments have confirmed that leading Turkish companies in the technology and defense sector, such as ASELSAN, TUSAŞ, and Otokar, are playing a pivotal role in this transformation through qualitative investments and joint projects targeting the Kazakh market and countries in the region.
Electro-Optical Systems and Armored Vehicle Partnerships
One of the most prominent fruits of this cooperation is the establishment of Kazakhstan Aselsan Engineering (KAE) as a partnership between ASELSAN and the state-owned company Kazakhstan Engineering. This entity focuses on the production of night and day vision systems, electro-optical reconnaissance systems, and remote weapon systems, in addition to manufacturing electronic circuit boards and infrared lenses.
In the military vehicle sector, Otokar has expanded its regional presence through its subsidiary Otokar Central Asia, making Kazakhstan the hub for its operations in Central Asia. The current partnership relies on manufacturing advanced platforms such as AYBAR and TAYMAS vehicles within the facilities of Kazakhstan Besqaru Manufacturing (BKM) in Astana, with local production directed toward supporting market needs and subsequently exporting systems to third countries.
Localizing ANKA Drone Manufacturing
The two countries have taken an additional step toward advanced manufacturing by signing memoranda of understanding and agreements to establish a joint venture between TUSAŞ and the Aircraft Repair Plant (406), under which a joint entity named TA-406 will be created to manufacture and maintain ANKA unmanned aerial vehicles.
What changes practically?
- Transforming Kazakhstan into the first overseas production base for Turkish ANKA drones outside of Turkish territory.
- Reducing reliance on foreign supply by establishing integrated local maintenance, repair, and manufacturing capabilities.
- Strengthening the presence of Turkish technical companies as providers of long-term industrial and technological capabilities in Central Asia.
These shifts allow Kazakhstan to build an advanced defense industrial base, while ensuring Turkish companies a sustainable foothold in new regional markets through the transfer of technical knowledge and the localization of production and testing operations.