Azernews.Az

Turkey is seeking Azerbaijan’s participation in a number of its large-scale defense industry projects, representatives of the country’s companies visiting Baku were quoted by APA news agency as saying.

Ankara made a number of proposals on Azerbaijani Ministry of Defense Industry’s participation in such projects as joint manufacturing of Altay tanks, attack helicopters, large-caliber ammunition, artillery weapons, and ships, the report said.

The Turkish delegation said Azerbaijan’s joining the projects is important both for the development of the domestic defense industry and for gaining experience. Also, Baku will be able to acquire defense industry products meeting NATO standards for a lower price. Some production under the projects that Ankara and Baku have agreed upon will be carried out in Azerbaijan, the Turkish representatives said.

Turkey's proposals are to be submitted to the Azerbaijani government during Defense Minister Ismet Yilmaz’s visit to Baku, due on October 12, APA reported.

The Ministry of Defense Industry has signed letters of intent on Azerbaijan’s participation in a project on producing infantry rifles with Turkish Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKEK) and on joint production of 107 mm and 122 mm rockets with Turkey’s Roketsan.

The Turkish delegation, headed by an official of the defense industry secretariat, which aims to discuss military cooperation prospects in Baku, includes representatives of Aselsan, Yuksel Defense Systems, Ekin Technology, TAI and other firms.

During the meetings, the Turkish companies will also hold a presentation of new military machinery and weaponry systems for Azerbaijani entities.