Turkish defense industry leaders ASELSAN, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) and Otokar are establishing strategic investments in Kazakhstan to strengthen regional presence. During talks hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Haluk Görgün, head of the Presidency of Defense Industries (SSB), emphasized that defense sector cooperation forms a cornerstone of bilateral relations. Both nations are committed to diversifying and deepening cooperation areas based on mutual benefit principles.

The Kazakhstan Aselsan Engineering (KAE) joint venture, established between ASELSAN and Kazakhstan Engineering, manufactures day and night vision systems, thermal imaging sights, electro-optical reconnaissance and surveillance systems, remote-controlled weapon systems, professional radio and communication systems, as well as electronic board assemblies and infrared lenses. This partnership moves beyond selling finished products from Turkey, instead contributing to the development of production infrastructure, technical expertise and local industrial capacity in Kazakhstan.

The Anka unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries, has strengthened Kazakhstan's air force capabilities. A memorandum of understanding between TAI and Kazakhstan Engineering outlines production, maintenance and repair of the Anka platform in Kazakhstan. An agreement to establish a joint venture for Anka UAV production and maintenance was implemented in May. A partnership named TA-406 was formed between TAI and Kazakhstan's Civil Aircraft Repair Plant No. 406. Mutual site visits have been conducted and feasibility study discussions are ongoing. Upon completion, Kazakhstan will become the first country outside Turkey to manufacture Anka UAVs.

Otokar, one of Turkey's leading armored vehicle manufacturers, has established permanent presence in Kazakhstan beyond vehicle sales and exports. Through its Otokar Central Asia company, Otokar has positioned Kazakhstan as a hub for operations in the Central Asian market. This approach reflects the Turkish defense industry's adoption of a model based on local production, technology sharing, maintenance and repair capabilities, and long-term institutional cooperation in regional partnerships.

To reach the $15 billion trade target, both countries aim to diversify products, facilitate mutual market access and increase company participation in bilateral trade. Selçuk Yüce, head of the Turkey-Kazakhstan Business Council, highlighted manufacturing, mining, agriculture and food processing as standout sectors. Healthcare services, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment manufacturing are also considered priority areas. Energy, logistics and digital technologies represent additional sectors that could provide broader foundation for economic partnership. Based on 2025 figures, bilateral trade volume reached approximately $10 billion, with priority given to making this growth stable and sustainable.