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UAVs and beyond: Security and defence sector at the core of Turkey's strategy in Africa

Megatrends Policy Brief 02, 31.03.2022

doi:10.18449/2022MTA-PB02

Security cooperation has become an important bargaining chip of Turkey-Africa relations. Ankara is exploiting the interest of African countries in its weaponry – specifically its Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) – to broaden its political influence. Turkey will have to renegotiate relations with Western partners, as well as competitors such as Russia and China.

Turkey's first military drone (Bayraktar TB2) lands in Northern Cyprus

LEFKOSA, TURKISH REPUBLIC OF NORTHERN CYPRUS - DECEMBER 16: The first Turkish military drone lands at Gecitkale Airport in the eastern coastal city of Magusa (Famagusta) in Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) on December 16, 2019. Bayraktar TB2 armed unmanned aerial vehicles, stationed at Naval Air Base Command in Turkey's Aegean district of Dalaman, landed in TRNC at 10 a.m. (0700GMT) following a green light from the government of the country. Muhammed Enes Yildirim / Anadolu Agency