Four-nation deal to pool defence know-how

Pakistan, Turkiye, Qatar and Indonesia on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding in Doha to expand cooperation in defence manufacturing, joint production and technology development, in a move aimed at strengthening their respective defence industries and reducing reliance on external suppliers, besides developing capacity to support allies.

The agreement, named the “Badr Memorandum of Understanding,” was signed by the four countries’ defence ministries, Pakistan’s defence production organisation and Turkiye’s presidency of defence industries.

The signing ceremony was attended by Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, Turkish Defence Minister Yasar Guler, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan Al Thani, Indonesian Deputy Defence Minister Marshal Yusuf Jauhari and Turkish defence industry chief Haluk Gorgun.

A joint statement said the agreement was intended to combine the participating countries’ industrial capabilities and promote cooperation in defence production, technical training, research and development.

“This memorandum holds significant economic importance for the signatory countries, as it will leverage each country’s capabilities in defence manufacturing, achieving cooperation, integration, and the development of defence industry capacities to meet the needs of allied and friendly nations,” the statement said.

Mr Asif emphasised the importance Islamabad attaches to building defence partnerships “with trusted partners. This memorandum reflects our shared commitment to contributing to regional peace and stability”. He said the four countries would explore joint production, technology transfer and greater self-reliance, subject to their respective legal and regulatory frameworks.

“We look forward to exploring opportunities for strengthening self-reliance, industrial collaboration, joint production and technology transfer while drawing on the complementary strengths of our respective defence industries, in accordance with relevant international and domestic laws and regulations,” the defence minister said.

Mr Asif added that the partnership would also promote joint research and development, training exchanges and industrial capacity building.

Turkiye and Qatar released similar statements on the signing of the pact. Reuters quoted the Turkish ministry as saying that the pact, titled “Badr Memorandum of Understanding”, was aimed at defence cooperation and strengthening defensive capabilities.

“The agreement holds substantial economic importance,” it said, adding the accord sought to foster cooperation in military production, boost military capabilities, and help collaboration in technical military training, research and development.

“By leveraging the unique military production capabilities of each country, the initiative will facilitate cooperation and integration, enhance defence industrial capacities, and enable the fulfilment of the needs of allied and friendly nations,” it added.

The state-run Qatar News Agency said the pact was named “Badr”, “referring to the full moon, to signify how the four nations complement one another through this agreement, given its immense importance in terms of both defence and the economy”.

“Other friendly nations may join the MoU, in accordance with criteria agreed upon by the four countries,” it said.

What does the agreement cover?

The agreement builds on existing defence industrial links among the four countries. Pakistan and Turkiye have cooperated on naval shipbuilding, including the MILGEM Corvette programme, while Turkiye and Indonesia have pursued joint tank development and other defence projects. Doha has also expanded its defence procurement and industrial cooperation with Ankara.

The four countries bring different capabilities to the arrangement.

Turkiye has developed a growing defence industry spanning drones, armoured vehicles, naval systems and other military technologies. Pakistan has established manufacturing and maintenance capabilities across several defence sectors, while Indonesia has a substantial domestic industrial base. Qatar offers investment capacity and demand for modern military equipment.

The memorandum aims to create opportunities to combine those strengths through collaborative projects, rather than relying exclusively on direct purchases of finished equipment. The joint statement said the framework would help develop defence industries and meet the requirements of allied and friendly countries.

The agreement comes amid heightened regional security concerns and efforts by countries in the Gulf and beyond to diversify defence partnerships and strengthen domestic production.

It also follows the signing in August of a separate defence agreement between Pakistan, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia that provides for closer cooperation on collective defence. The Badr memorandum, however, is focused on defence industries and does not itself establish a mutual defence commitment.

Khawaja Asif said the four countries intended to turn the arrangement into practical cooperation across research, training and industrial development.

“Through this partnership, we aim to advance cooperation across joint research and development, training exchanges and industrial capability building,” he said.

The writer is the foreign affairs and national security correspondent for Dawn