By  Maryam Noureen Janjua

• Every year on September 6th, Pakistan commemorates Defense Day, a national day of remembrance and pride. It marks the anniversary of the 1965 war with India when the Pakistan successfully defended the country against a much larger adversary. This day serves not only as a tribute to the sacrifices made by Pakistani soldiers but also as a reflection on the nation's defense capabilities, strategic posture, and future security challenges. As Pakistan navigates a complex regional security environment, understanding its defense outlook, production capabilities, and international cooperation—particularly with Turkey—offers insights into how the country aims to secure its future.

• Defense Day is etched in the collective memory of Pakistanis as a symbol of courage and resilience. The 1965 war, though inconclusive in its final outcomes, is celebrated for the exceptional bravery demonstrated by Pakistan’s military forces. On this day, the nation honors the martyrs who laid down their lives to protect their homeland and acknowledges the ongoing commitment of its armed forces to national defense. The commemorations often include military parades and exhibitions, emphasizing Pakistan’s readiness to defend its sovereignty. This annual ritual reinforces the national ethos of preparedness and unity, especially in the face of external threats.

• Pakistan's security environment is shaped by a range of factors, including its geographic location, historical rivalries, and evolving regional dynamics. The primary external security challenge remains its adversarial relationship with India, underscored by disputes such as that over Kashmir and frequent border skirmishes. Additionally, Pakistan faces significant security concerns from Afghanistan, particularly with the potential spillover of terrorism and instability following the Taliban's return to power.

• Internally, Pakistan grapples with terrorism and insurgency in some regions, necessitating a robust internal security apparatus. To address these challenges, Pakistan has continuously modernized its military forces, enhancing its conventional capabilities while maintaining a credible nuclear deterrent.
• Over the years, Pakistan has developed a self-reliant defense production base to support its armed forces and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers. This sector is spearheaded by several key organizations, including the Pakistan Ordnance Factories (POF), Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT), and the Pakistan Aeronautical Complex (PAC). These entities are involved in the production of a wide range of military equipment, from small arms and ammunition to tanks, aircraft, and drones.

• Pakistan's defense industry has also made significant strides in missile technology, with a variety of ballistic and cruise missiles that form a critical part of its strategic deterrence. The development of the JF-17 Thunder, a multi-role fighter aircraft in collaboration with China, marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s aerospace capabilities.

• Furthermore, Pakistan's defense industry is increasingly exploring export opportunities. The country has successfully exported small arms, ammunition, and aircraft to several countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. By focusing on niche markets and cost-effective solutions, Pakistan aims to carve out a place in the global defense market.

• One of the most dynamic aspects of Pakistan’s defense outlook is its growing cooperation with Turkey. Pakistan and Turkey share a historical bond rooted in cultural ties, mutual respect, and shared strategic interests. Over the past decade, this relationship has expanded significantly in the defense sector, with both countries seeking to leverage each other's strengths to enhance their military capabilities. The defense partnership between Pakistan and Turkey is multifaceted, encompassing joint military exercises, training programs, and defense production. This cooperation is underpinned by several agreements aimed at fostering collaboration in areas such as defense research, technology transfer, and counter-terrorism.

• One of the most promising areas of cooperation is aerospace. Pakistan’s collaboration with Turkey in the development of the T129 ATAK helicopters is a notable example. Additionally, there is potential for joint development of drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), an area where Turkey has shown remarkable progress with its Bayraktar series. Another significant area is naval defense. Turkey is currently building Milgem-class corvettes for the Pakistan Navy, which will enhance Pakistan’s maritime capabilities. This cooperation could extend to the co-production of submarines, naval frigates, and advanced maritime surveillance systems, addressing both countries' needs for enhanced naval security and maritime dominance.

• Turkiye’s expertise in developing modern armored vehicles could complement Pakistan’s existing capabilities. Collaborative ventures could include the co-production of tanks, armored personnel carriers, and other land-based defense systems, offering both countries enhanced ground combat capabilities. Both countries have made strides in missile technology, and there is potential for collaboration in the development of advanced missile systems. Furthermore, Turkey’s advancements in defense electronics and command and control systems could provide a valuable boost to Pakistan’s indigenous capabilities.
• The defense partnership between Pakistan and Turkey is not merely transactional; it is built on a foundation of mutual trust and shared strategic objectives. Both countries seek to enhance their self-reliance in defense production, reduce dependency on Western suppliers, and ensure that their military capabilities remain robust in the face of evolving security challenges. For Pakistan, Turkey’s experience in defense modernization offers valuable lessons, particularly in terms of indigenization and technology transfer. Conversely, Turkey benefits from Pakistan’s strategic location and its experience in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

• While the defense cooperation between Pakistan and Turkey holds great promise, it is not without challenges. Geopolitical shifts, economic constraints, and the need for technology sharing and intellectual property rights protection are potential hurdles that both countries need to navigate carefully. Moreover, both nations must balance their defense cooperation with their relationships with other global powers, ensuring that their partnership does not adversely impact other strategic alliances. To maximize the benefits of their defense partnership, Pakistan and Turkey should focus on establishing joint research and development centers, increasing frequency of joint military exercises, and expanding their collaboration in cyber warfare and space technology.

• As Pakistan celebrates Defense Day on September 6th, it does so with a keen awareness of its evolving defense needs and strategic priorities. The day serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the armed forces and the importance of maintaining a robust defense posture. By enhancing its defense production capabilities and strengthening partnerships like that with Turkey, Pakistan is positioning itself to better meet future security challenges while contributing to regional stability. The road ahead requires continued innovation, collaboration, and strategic foresight to ensure that Pakistan’s defense capabilities remain formidable and resilient.

• Maryam Noureen Janjua is Undergrad student of Political Science in Women University Rawalpindi. Ms Janjua is a reporter with WE News English. She can be reached at [email protected]