Leaders from the Middle East, Central Asia and the Far East are showing a lot of interest in Turkey's defense companies. For example, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, during his recent visit to Ankara, personally participated in a test flight of a T-129 attack helicopter manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). Pakistan is thinking of spending $1.5 billion to replace its worn-out Bell AH-1F and AH-1S Cobra attack helicopters with 30 T-129s from Turkey.

Technology transfer from TAI to Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC) would allow for joint production. If Pakistan approves the deal, and it is expected to by July, this will be the biggest single sale made by the Turkish defense industry. Also, Pakistan is closely interested in Hurkus trainer aircraft, also manufactured by TAI, and Anka drones.

Turkey's search for markets in South Asia is not confined to Pakistan but includes Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam. Turkish defense companies participated in the Bangkok Defense and Security Fair, held Nov. 6-9, and touted T-129 helicopters, MILGEM Class corvette warships, armed and unarmed drones, Hurkus training aircraft and armored combat vehicles. It also promoted its weapons systems, rockets and missiles, border security solutions, night and thermal observation systems, radars, smart munitions and much more military hardware.

Low-intensity clashes in Thailand, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia have made those countries aware of Turkey’s counterterror experience. Its locally manufactured weapons and systems are the kinds most needed in counterterror and counterinsurgency operations against violent nonstate actors. There is particularly heavy interest in Turkey's devices to counter roadside bombs, such as jammers and compressors, armed and unarmed drones, border surveillance systems, armored tactical vehicles and personnel carriers.