Turkey’s provision of military aid reflects its aspirations to be a regional power and a key player in global security. By supporting allies and enhancing its defense industry, Turkey strengthens its geopolitical standing. However, navigating the complexities of international diplomacy, balancing alliances, and mitigating regional tensions remain ongoing challenges for Ankara’s military aid strategy. In any respect, as Turkey continues to expand its defense capabilities, its effort to shape global security dynamics will likely grow even further. Turkey’s defense industry has grown rapidly, with companies like Baykar, ASELSAN, and Roketsan exporting drones, armored vehicles, and missile systems worldwide. Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, in particular, have gained international recognition in modern warfare. Turkey’s arms exports not only boost its economy but also solidify its strategic partnerships with recipient nations.
Azerbaijan, a strategic partner in the Caucasus.
Azerbaijan is one of the key partners in matters of defense and Turkish military cooperation has played a critical role in shaping the regional balance of power in the South Caucasus. Over the years, Turkey has provided Azerbaijan with military training, arms, and diplomatic support, significantly influencing Azerbaijan’s military capabilities and geopolitical standing, changing dramatically the balance of power in the region. The military cooperation between the two states has been a pillar of their bilateral relations and instrument of infiltration of Ankara in the region. As such Turkey has proceed with providing to Baku a variety of military equipment either in the form of military aid and donations, either in the form of procurement by the Azeri government.
The military collaboration with Turkey includes many aspects. One of them is the collaboration of their respective defense industries. Turkey and Azerbaijan are deepening their defense industry cooperation. Azerbaijan has expressed interest in acquiring advanced Turkish defense technology, including UAVs, air defense systems, and electronic warfare capabilities. Turkish defense companies are working closely with Azerbaijani firms to develop indigenous military technology and production capabilities. The other aspect includes the common exercises and training programs between the two countries with over 10.000 Azer soldiers been trained. Turkey and Azerbaijan regularly conduct joint military exercises to enhance interoperability and combat readiness. Exercises such as “TurAz Eagle” and “Winter Exercise” focus on aerial operations, ground maneuvers, and special forces tactics. Turkish military advisors also provide
training to Azerbaijani troops, ensuring their proficiency in modern warfare tactics and NATO-standard operations.
However, a significant dimension of the Turkish Azer cooperation have been the acquisition of weapons by the government of Baku. In the first 6 months of 2020, Baku acquired over 77 million 2 dollar worth of equipment from Ankara and Turkey has supplied Azerbaijan with various military equipment. That includes Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, that have been a game-changer for Azerbaijan’s armed forces, particularly during the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war. The TB2s destroyed at least 131 artillery pieces, 29 armored vehicles, 61 rocket launchers, 89 T 72 tanks, 9 radar systems, 543 trucks and 15 Surface to air systems.
These drones provided precise aerial surveillance and strike capabilities, significantly contributing to Azerbaijan’s victory by destroying Armenian air defense capabilities and permitting to Azer missiles and long-range attack systems to destroy the remain equipment of the Armenian army 4 . Further modern armored vehicles and personnel carriers delivered to Azerbaijan, enhanced its ground forces’ mobility and protection. Advanced artillery and guided missile systems, have bolster Azerbaijan’s firepower and deterrence capabilities, while the provision of small arms, ammunition, and military gear has strengthened Azerbaijan’s infantry forces.
Regarding artillery systems, the Azers have acquire from Turkey seventy-one 107 mm TR-107 Boran rocket launchers, eighteen 122 mm T-122 Sakarya rocket launchers, twenty 230 mm TRLG-230 Rocket launchers and eighteen TRG-300 Kasirga 302 mm rocket launchers. Regarding the vehicles, the Turkish procurement includes 350 Otokar Cobra and Otokar Cobra II armored Vehicles and 200 Otokar APV and Engerek armored vehicles. A variety of support vehicles have been acquired that include the German infantry transport lory Unimog produced in Turkey, land rover jeeps also of Turkish production, the FNSS Kunduz and Tosun Armored Bulldozers, the MEMATT remote controlled demining vehicle, the FNSS Samur vehicle launched bridge and the TASMUS field mobile radio and satellite communication systems. In the field of drones, Turkey has supply the Bayraktar TB2 5 that had a great success and contribution in the late war with Armenia, as and the newer Bayraktar Akinci. Turkey have also supply the Azer armed forces with a great range of electro-optical systems. The Sahin Gozu system, the Dragoneye system that includes laser range finder, GPS Receiver, Digital Magnetic Compass and thermal camera, as and the ADLRLRF laser range finder. The Dortgoz thermal camera and the DAS-Distributed optical aperture camera system are also included, as and the ASIR IR reconnaissance camera and the Goz SeeSpot thermal camera.
Turkish military assistance has been pivotal in the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, which marked a turning point in Azerbaijan’s military history. Turkish drones, military advisors, and intelligence-sharing played a significant role in Azerbaijan’s successful campaign against Armenian forces. The conflict highlighted the effectiveness of modern drone warfare, with Turkish UAVs neutralizing key Armenian assets, especially the air defense systems, tanks, and artillery units. Further, Turkey’s military support for Azerbaijan has reshaped regional dynamics, strengthening Azerbaijan’s position while challenging Armenia and its allies, including Russia. This alliance has also reinforced Turkey’s influence in the South Caucasus, positioning it as a key power broker in regional security affairs. Turkish military aid to Azerbaijan is a strategic partnership that has significantly enhanced Azerbaijan’s defense capabilities and regional influence. Through arms sales, joint exercises, and defense cooperation, Turkey continues to play a crucial role in shaping Azerbaijan’s military strength.
Syria, a field for exercising influence
Syria is another field for the Turkish military inspirations and Ankara has succeeded in playing a significant role in shaping the conflict dynamics since the Syrian Civil War erupted in 2011. Turkey has provided military assistance to opposition factions, conducted direct military operations, and established a presence in northern Syria. Turkey's military assistance in Syria includes, weapons and equipment such as small arms, armored vehicles, and logistical support. Military advisors, that have trained and coordinated with Syrian opposition fighters to improve their combat effectiveness, and direct military operations, where Turkish forces have launched several operations in northern Syria. As a result, Ankara’s military campaigns have significantly reduced the YPG’s influence in Syria, while resisting Assad’s control over northern Syria for the duration of the Syrian civil war. So far equipment that has been delivered to the ‘Free’ Syrian Army, includes ACV, AAPC and M113 armored personnel carriers, V150 armored cars, Otokar ZPT IMVs and M114 Howitzers 6 . Turkey’s military aid in Syria has been a defining aspect of the conflict, reshaping power balances and influencing regional security. While its interventions have met strategic objectives, they have also created diplomatic challenges and humanitarian concerns. As the Syrian war continues to evolve, Turkey’s role remains a crucial factor in the broader geopolitical landscape.
Libya, expanding the military reach in the Eastern Mediterranean.
Turkey’s military aid to Libya has played a crucial role in shaping the country’s ongoing conflict and its broader geopolitical landscape. Ankara’s support for the United Nations- recognized Government of National Accord (GNA) has had significant military, political, and economic repercussions, strengthening Turkey’s influence in North Africa and the Mediterranean region. Turkey’s military assistance to Libya has taken various forms, including Bayraktar TB2 drones which have been instrumental in turning the tide of the war in favor of the GNA by neutralizing LNA targets and providing crucial aerial reconnaissance. Advanced military hardware, including armored vehicles, air defense systems, and guided missiles. Further, Turkish military personnel have trained GNA forces, improving their operational capabilities and strategic planning, while it has deployed warships and aerial assets to provide logistical and operational support to GNA forces all with severe financial facilitations by the Libyan government.
As such Turkey’s intervention played a decisive role in halting the LNA’s offensive on Tripoli in 2020, leading to a military stalemate and eventual ceasefire negotiations. The support allowed the GNA to reclaim key territories, including Al-Watiya airbase and Sirte-Jufra frontlines. The Turkish military aid, has provided to the GNA forces a variety of equipment that include large numbers of G3 battle rifle, T-122 Skarya rocket launchers and at least 20 and KORKUT 35 mm Self-propelled anti-aircraft gun 8 . The medium range surface to air missile system Hisar 0+ has been deployed to replace the aged Improved Hawk systems, while Turkey has also proceeded in donating a number of US build M 60 Patton, FNSS ACV 15 armored personnel carriers and BMC Kirpi and Vuran armored cars. Although the military equipment provided is not in the numbers provided to Azerbaijan, it has significantly upgraded the capabilities of the GNA forces and turn the balance of power in Libya. Turkish presence in Libya is severe, in total over 3000 personnel of the Turkish armed forces and the private contractor SADAT have been deployed in the civil war-torn country. In addition, Turkey maintains a permanent naval presence with two warships patrolling the sea adjust to Libya utilizing the Abu Sitta and Sidi Bilal ports, while the Turkish military support includes the use of the Bayraktar TB2 drones and the T 155 Firtina howitzers.
With Libya’s fragile political situation and the presence of foreign mercenaries, Turkey’s military role remains a key factor in the country’s civil war. Turkey continues to push for a long-term presence in Libya through military bases and economic agreements, ensuring its strategic interests in the region. Turkey’s military aid to Libya has been a pivotal factor in shaping the conflict and broader regional geopolitics. By bolstering the GNA, Turkey has secured strategic advantages, though at the cost of increased tensions with rival powers. As Libya navigates its path toward stability, Turkey’s role will remain central to the country’s political and military dynamics.
Turkey’s ambitions in the Horn of Africa
Somalia has been another significant defense partner of Turkey and an important component of Ankara’s broader engagement in East African. Through training, arms support, Turkey presents that guarantee its maritime territories 10 , while with financial support it enhances its infrastructure development. Turke's involvement in Somalia began in 2011 when then-Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Mogadishu amid a devastating famine. Since then, Turkey has deepened its political, economic, and military cooperation with Somalia, recognizing its geostrategic importance along the Horn of Africa.
As such a cooperation has begun that in the military spectrum including the establishment of the TURKSOM Military Training Center in Mogadishu 11 , which trains Somali National Army (SNA) personnel to combat insurgencies and improve national security. Further Turkey has supplied arms, military vehicles, and protective gear to Somali forces, enhancing their operational capabilities 12 . The military cooperation includes assistance in Somalia’s maritime security through joint patrols and training as and support in its fight against Al-Shabaab by providing intelligence and strategic guidance.
Turkey’s growing presence challenges the influence of other regional and global actors such as the UAE, China, and Western powers. However, a strong partnership with Somalia gives Turkey a key position in the Horn of Africa, enhancing its influence in Red Sea and Indian Ocean maritime affairs. The military supply to Somalia includes MPT-76 rifles, BMC Kirpi and Kirpi II armored cars 13 and BMC 245-16P 4x4 utility trucks. Beside those, Turkey has also supplied Somalia with Serce-1 Multi-Rotor Drone Systems as and selling the Bayraktar drones 15 and ONUK MRTP 16 Patrol Boats.
Turkey’s military aid to Somalia has significantly bolstered the country’s security forces and reinforced bilateral relations. While challenges persist, Turkey’s role in training and equipping Somali forces underscores its strategic commitment to exercise influence in the region. Mogadishu has become a reliable partner and indeed has requested more training programs, aid in establishing the air force and navy, as and more equipment ammunitions and support for the army.
Maintaining its presence in the Balkans
Finally, Albania has been a cornerstone of the strong diplomatic and defense ties between the two countries and Turkey has played a key role in supporting Albania’s military modernization, capacity-building efforts, and NATO integration. Since Albania’s transition to democracy in the early 1990s, Turkey has been a crucial partner in its economic, political, and military spheres. Albania’s NATO accession in 2009 further strengthened its defense cooperation with Turkey. Turkey has provided Albania with various forms of military assistance. Turkey has donated military vehicles, small arms, and other equipment to help modernize Albania’s armed forces. Further Turkish military institutions regularly train Albanian officers, enhancing their operational readiness and NATO-standard capabilities, while it has invested in upgrading Albania’s military infrastructure, including training centers and strategic defense facilities. Finally, the two countries engage in frequent joint military drills to improve interoperability and strengthen defense cooperation within the NATO framework.
Turkey’s growing influence in Albania’s military sector has broader geopolitical implications. Military aid reinforces Turkey’s role as a key strategic ally of Albania, while its engagement counters the influence of other actors, including the EU, U.S., and Russia, in the Western Balkans. As far as now, Turkey has supplied Albania with a variety of equipment that includes MP5 machine guns produced in Turkey under license as and MPT-76 and MPT-55 rifles and uniforms 17 . Further Turkey has donated at least 150 Land rover Defender jeeps also produced in Turkey under license and over 50 Otokar APV armored cars, Albania has also gone as far as procuring 6 Bayraktar TB2 UCAV from Turkey 18 together with MAM, Roketsan Cirit and UMTAS ammunitions for their equipment.
Turkey’s military aid to Albania has significantly enhanced its defense capabilities, strengthened bilateral ties, and contributed to regional stability, in those lines Ankara is also planning to donate a large number of Turkish made loitering munitions 19 . As both nations continue to expand their strategic partnership, military cooperation will remain a key pillar of their relationship, shaping Albania’s role within NATO and the broader security framework of the Western Balkans.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Turkey's military aid strategy underscores its ambitions as a regional power and a key global security player. Through strategic defense partnerships, arms exports, and military cooperation, Turkey has expanded its influence in regions such as the South Caucasus, the Middle East, North Africa, and the Balkans. Its military assistance to Azerbaijan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, and Albania has not only strengthened bilateral ties but also reshaped regional power dynamics. While these efforts bolster Turkey’s geopolitical standing and defense industry, they also present diplomatic challenges and heighten tensions with rival powers. As Turkey continues to advance its military capabilities and expand its global reach, its role in shaping regional and international security will remain a crucial factor in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
By Konstantinos Kyprios
1 ‘Turkish-Azerbaijani Military Cooperation’, Institute of American Studies
2 Toksabav Ece (October 14, 2020), ‘Turkish arms sales to Azerbaijan surged before Nagorno-Karabakh fighting’, Reuters
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4 ‘The Role of Turkish Drones in Azerbaijan’s Increasing Military Effectiveness: AN Assessment of the Second Nagorno – Karabakh War’, articles, Insight Turkey Fall 2021/volume 23 Number 4
5 Mitzer Stijn & Oliemans Joost (September 20,2023), ‘An International Export Success: Global Demand for Bayraktar Drones Reaches All Time High’, Oryx
6 From Turkiye With Love: Tracking Turkish Military Donations’, Oryx December 18, 2021
7 Kenez Levent (August 15, 2024), ‘Turkey-Libya agreement grants Turkish forces expansive operational freedoms and legal immunity’, Nordic monitor.
8 Bozkurt Abdullah (June 23, 2022), ‘Turkey continues to send arms to Libya in Violation of UN Security Council resolutions’, Nordic Research and Monitoring Network.
9 Nedos Vassilis (November 15 2024), ‘Turkey expands grip in Libya’, Foreign Affairs
10 ‘Turkiye extends military deployment in Somalia for another 2 years’, Daily Sabath with AA, Jul 28 2024
11 Baez Kiran, (June 18 2024), ‘Turkey signed two major deals with Somalia. Will it be able to implement them?’, Atlantic council
12 Nordic Monitor, (January 9, 2021), ‘Turkey gov;t booseted military aid and grants to third countries amid CAATSA crisis’, Nordic Monitor
13 ‘Turkey is building a new deadlier Somali Army’, Military Africa May 24 2022
14 ‘From Turkiye With Love: Tracking Turkish Military Donations’, Oryx December 18, 2021
15 Baez Kiran, (June 18 2024), ‘Turkey signed two major deals with Somalia. Will it be able to implement them?’, Atlantic council
16 Soylu Ragip (February 24 2024), ‘Turkey set to solidify its power in Somalia with murky naval defence deal’, Middle East Eye
17 Nordic Monitor, (January 9, 2021), ‘Turkey gov;t booseted military aid and grants to third countries amid CAATSA crisis’, Nordic Monitor
18 Joe Saballa (October 21, 2024), “Turkey to donate a ‘Significant Number’ of Kamikaze Drones to Albania’, The Defence post
19 Joe Saballa (October 21, 2024), “Turkey to donate a ‘Significant Number’ of Kamikaze Drones to Albania’, The Defence post
