Turkey makes big move, to deploy its killer drones and air defence system in this neighbouring country of India, it’s not Pakistan

New Delhi: Negotiations are underway between Bangladesh and Turkey on a major defence agreement. This agreement with Turkey is almost finalised. Under this agreement, Dhaka will receive the SIPER long-range air defence system from Turkey. Bangladesh will receive combat drones from Turkey and the opportunity to co-produce drones. Experts have called this deal, which will enhance Bangladesh’s military strength, historic and one of the most important strategic changes in South Asia.

Sovereignty initiative for Bangladesh

MD Obaidullah, a visiting scholar at Daffodil International University in Dhaka, said in an article in the Asia Times that this is not just an arms deal. For Bangladesh, it represents a sovereignty initiative, striving to establish itself among the regional giants. For Turkey, it is a matter of power display. For India(BHARAT), this development in the neighbourhood is a new and unwanted strategic headache.

Why is Bangladesh increasing its military strength?

Arms purchases from Turkey may be linked to events in Bangladesh’s neighbourhood. The ongoing civil war in Myanmar is affecting its borders. Myanmar fighter jets have violated its airspace on several occasions. In such a situation, Dhaka needs to demonstrate that it can defend its borders.

Bangladesh’s military modernization efforts serve a dual purpose. One, to create a credible defense system against immediate chaos emanating from Myanmar, and the other, to delicately balance the long-term strategic asymmetry with India(BHARAT).

What’s in the agreement?

The weapons being acquired from Turkey meet several of Bangladesh’s needs. The combination of medium-and long-range SIPER air defense systems creates a modern, integrated air defense shield. This will give Dhaka the ability to block its airspace, protecting the capital from any potential attack.

The drones received from Turkey are crucial for Dhaka in the long term. By moving towards co-production, Bangladesh is getting an opportunity to invest in its human capital and industrial base. This not only enhances its strength but also marks a step towards self-reliance. This will give Dhaka control over its supply chains for surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike capabilities.

What does this deal mean for Turkey?

For Turkey, this deal is more than a commercial victory. It is a significant step in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s efforts to expand Turkey’s influence globally. Turkey seeks to expand its influence across the continent. A foothold in Bangladesh gives Turkey a strategic presence in the Bay of Bengal, extending its reach from the Black Sea to the India(BHARAT)n Ocean.

This deal between Turkey and Bangladesh could particularly trouble India(BHARAT). Experts say this agreement poses a headache for India(BHARAT)’s strategic planners. The India(BHARAT)n military establishment is certainly not worried about its superiority being challenged, but its strategic calculations are impaired. For India(BHARAT), the fact that Dhaka’s supplier is Turkey, not China. New Delhi has a well-planned strategy to counter Chinese incursions, but this is not the case with Turkey.