Polish-Turkish Cooperation in Munitions Gradually Materializes

Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda met with the CEO of Makine ve Kimya Endustrisi (MKE), Ilhami Keles. According to the Polish government’s website, during the meeting a proposal was presented by the Turkish state arms manufacturer concerning a “complete transfer of the technology for producing 155 mm ammunition, which would enable independent, domestic production of all components in the facilities of PGZ S.A.”

Turkish MKE facilities produce several types of artillery projectiles. Among them, one can mention the fragmentation MOD 274 projectile with a base bleed generator, whose maximum range is 39 km.

Polish-Turkish Collaboration

It is worth noting that Polish-Turkish discussions regarding cooperation in the defense industries have been underway for some time. An example is the business visit of representatives of the Polish government and Polish defense companies to Turkey in August 2024. At that time, the discussions covered, among other things, unmanned vessels and naval drones.

The deepening of cooperation between Warsaw and Ankara is also evidenced by Donald Tusk’s recent visit to Turkey, where a meeting took place between the Polish Prime Minister and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Among other topics, the discussion included the possibility of a Polish-Turkish defense partnership.