Turkey expands defense exports to Ukraine and Canada

Turkish defense company Aselsan has exported its Korkut automated air defense system to nine countries, including Ukraine. The system is designed to intercept mass-produced kamikaze drones, such as the Iranian-made Shahed models, at a cost of approximately $10,000 per engagement. Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol noted that the system provides a cost-effective method for neutralizing drone swarms that might otherwise overwhelm traditional air defense networks.

In a separate development, Canada is seeking to strengthen its military capabilities through a new strategic partnership with Turkey. Following a meeting between Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ottawa expressed interest in Turkish military technology, specifically combat drones, electronic warfare systems, and autonomous technology. This shift marks a change in relations, as Canada had previously restricted exports of certain targeting and camera technologies used in Turkish drones. Canada is currently exploring cooperation with Turkish firms Baykar and Aselsan, as well as studying the Turkish model of coordinated defense industry development.