Why are Gulf countries turning to the Turkish defense industry?
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Why Gulf Countries Are Turning to the Turkish Defense Industry
Over the past five years, Turkey has transformed from a secondary market for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries into a primary supplier. The question is no longer whether Gulf states will buy Turkish products, but rather what they will buy, when, and through what partnerships. In this article, we will explore the structural reasons behind this shift.
Rapid Delivery
In a defense market where delivery times are measured in months rather than years, Turkey stands out. The Bayraktar TB2 drone can be delivered within 12 to 18 months of a contract being signed, and missiles manufactured by Roketsan follow a similar timeline. In contrast, securing U.S. approval for the delivery of F-35 fighter jets or Patriot systems can take several years, sometimes up to a decade.
Political Flexibility
U.S. missiles and systems come with export restrictions, such as strict end-user conditions (end-user monitoring) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Turkey’s equivalent restrictions are far less stringent. This means any Persian Gulf nation can procure Turkish drones and use them in operations that Washington might oppose.
Technology Transfer and Local Production
Qatar produces BMC’s armored vehicles in Doha. Saudi Arabia is negotiating a full technology transfer. Turkey offers a “buy and build” model: procure the system and establish the factory. The US is more reluctant to offer this model, while China provides it at a different price point.
Cultural and Religious Compatibility
This is a pragmatic factor. Training can be conducted in Arabic. Compared to other options, Turkish officers communicate more quickly and with less friction with their counterparts from Persian Gulf countries. This shortens the learning curve and reduces the need for intermediaries.
Combat Experience
The Bayraktar TB2 drone has proven its effectiveness in Syria, Libya, Karabakh, and Ukraine. The Atmaca anti-ship missile is also in service. This is not a marketing strategy, but real combat experience closely studied by procurement experts in Riyadh, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
Conclusion
The reasons for Persian Gulf countries turning to Turkey are simple: reasonable performance, reasonable delivery times, reasonable prices, and no complex political strings attached. This is a package Washington does not offer; Moscow’s comes with the risk of sanctions, and Beijing’s, while cheaper, lacks political influence.
