{"id":13202,"date":"2025-01-06T12:47:22","date_gmt":"2025-01-06T09:47:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/?p=13202"},"modified":"2025-01-06T12:47:24","modified_gmt":"2025-01-06T09:47:24","slug":"strategic-dimensions-of-saudi-turkish-military-cooperation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/monitoring-and-translation\/reports\/strategic-dimensions-of-saudi-turkish-military-cooperation\/","title":{"rendered":"Strategic Dimensions of Saudi-Turkish Military Cooperation"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On December 22, 2024, Saudi Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamed al-Ruwaili visited<\/a> T\u00fcrkiye upon an invitation from his Turkish counterpart, Metin G\u00fcrak. The two officials held both individual and joint discussions, and Ruwaili also met with T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s minister of defense. While no official statements or comments were issued regarding the visit, it reflects recent positive developments in Saudi-Turkish relations and the strengthening of strategic cooperation, particularly in the defense sector. The timing of the visit is significant, coinciding with regional developments following the Gaza war and ongoing transformations in Syria and the Horn of Africa, areas of mutual strategic interest for both nations. This report explores the strategic dimensions of the Saudi-T\u00fcrkiye rapprochement and its impacts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wider Contexts and Dimensions for Cooperation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The visit took place against the backdrop of rapid regional developments and at a moment when both sides seek to leverage favorable conditions in order to transform longstanding dynamics. These dynamics have historically hindered the region\u2019s progress toward cooperative and integrative frameworks that promote economic and security interests while countering hostile agendas. Key aspects of Saudi-Turkish cooperation may include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seeking to Forge Advanced Relations at All Levels:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saudi-Turkish relations have advanced significantly across various levels, regaining momentum following Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan\u2019s visit to Saudi Arabia in early 2022 and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman\u2019s visit to T\u00fcrkiye in July of the same year. The two countries agreed to enhance ties in several key areas, leading to a noticeable increase in trade<\/a>, which reached 25.4 billion riyals in 2023, marking a 15.5% growth. Saudi exports to T\u00fcrkiye accounted for 15.6 billion riyals, while Turkish imports to the kingdom totaled 9.8 billion riyals. Both countries aim to expand this collaboration further, focusing on sectors such as mining, healthcare, technology, communications, tourism, infrastructure, information technology, and defense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Shared Security Vision:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saudi Arabia and T\u00fcrkiye share a vision for establishing a new security environment that promotes stability in the Middle East and sets an example for regional actors to follow. This vision includes strengthening the coalition of Islamic countries in global calculations and countering international and regional schemes aimed at altering the regional balance of power and developing projects aligned with the ambitions of the major powers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Focusing on Military Cooperation:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Military cooperation between Saudi Arabia and T\u00fcrkiye is experiencing significant growth. The meeting between the two countries\u2019 military chiefs held as part of the Saudi-Turkish Joint Military Committee\u2019s sixth session \u2014 and the third in 2024 alone \u2014 highlighted discussions on advancing defense and military collaboration. This accelerated cooperation traces back to Erdogan\u2019s visit to Riyadh in July 2023, during which an executive plan<\/a> for defense cooperation was signed. The plan aimed to elevate bilateral defense trade to the level of a strategic partnership. This initiative has since materialized through several memoranda of understanding and agreements, including Saudi acquisitions of Turkish companies. Numerous visits and meetings have also focused on fostering collaboration and facilitating the transfer of military technology to Saudi Arabia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Special Focus on Drones:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s success<\/a> in developing a local defense industry, particularly in the drone sector, has drawn significant interest from Saudi Arabia. Turkish drones, proven effective in conflicts such as the Nagorno-Karabakh war, the Russia-Ukraine war and in Syria, have positioned T\u00fcrkiye as a leader in this field. Recognizing this, Saudi Arabia has signed two acquisition contracts with Turkish defense company Baykar. These agreements<\/a> include a partnership between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Baykar to establish domestic manufacturing capabilities and develop drone systems within the kingdom. By 2026, over 70% of SAMI\u2019s production of Akinci drones is expected to be locally manufactured. To support this initiative, SAMI has sent 300 Saudi employees to Baykar for training, aiming to enhance their technical expertise and contribute to the project\u2019s success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saudi Vision 2030 and the Indigenization of Military Industries:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saudi Arabia\u2019s Vision<\/a> 2030 serves as a strategic framework guiding the kingdom\u2019s defense policies, with a focus on diversifying defense partnerships, transferring advanced expertise domestically, and localizing defense production. The goal is to localize 50% of total defense spending by 2030, with nearly 20% of localization already achieved in 2023 \u2014 a significant milestone for Saudi defense industries. Saudi interest in defense cooperation with T\u00fcrkiye aligns with this vision, particularly as the defense sector has been allocated<\/a> $72.5 billion in the 2025 budget, marking a 5% increase compared to 2024. This reflects the kingdom\u2019s progress in localizing defense production, with localization rising from 4% in 2018 to 19.35% by the end of 2023. T\u00fcrkiye, in turn, sees these advancements and the broader Saudi vision as an opportunity to deepen its engagement with the kingdom and benefit from its ambitious defense industry initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s Emergence as a Major Arms Supplier:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\u00fcrkiye has recently solidified its position as a significant global arms supplier, with its defense industry exporting to 178 countries<\/a>, including NATO member countries. On December 17, 2024, the state-owned Defense Technologies Engineering Company in T\u00fcrkiye signed a contract with the Portuguese navy to construct two supply ships. Additionally, Turkish Ambassador to Spain N\u00fcket K\u00fc\u00e7\u00fckel Izberci and Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles signed a memorandum of understanding for the sale of 24 Hurjet jet trainer aircraft, manufactured by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), to Spain. Experts note that this marks the first time T\u00fcrkiye has sold military ships and aircraft to NATO and EU member states. This highlights the strategic importance of Saudi Arabia\u2019s cooperation with T\u00fcrkiye in the military domain. Beyond purchasing Turkish arms, the partnership emphasizes collaboration in developing and localizing military industries \u2014 a priority for Saudi defense and strategic objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saudi-Turkish Military Cooperation \u2014 Strategic Impacts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saudi-Turkish military cooperation at the defense level has taken on a strategic dimension, which could have significant effects<\/a> on both their bilateral relations and the broader regional balance of power as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Strategic Cooperation With Geopolitical Consequences:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The growing military cooperation between Riyadh and Ankara represents a significant strategic boost to their bilateral relations, potentially leading to closer collaboration across various domains, including regional coordination. This could impact the regional balance of power, especially amid the current regional volatility in the region and the efforts to reshape the Middle East. Both countries share common ground on several regional issues, including the Palestinian cause, the future of Syria, and their interests in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa regions. Furthermore, they prioritize regional stability to foster development and prosperity rather than chaos. Importantly, their cooperation does not antagonize the West, as both Riyadh and Ankara maintain strong ties with Western countries and are vital partners for Washington in the region, setting their military collaboration apart from their relations with other states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Enhancing Capabilities in Light of Modern Warfare:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saudi-Turkish cooperation strengthens the unconventional military capabilities of both countries, particularly in light of the evolving nature of warfare, where drones have become a decisive factor in urban conflicts, asymmetric warfare, and proxy wars in the region. The acquisition of these drones by non-state actors also poses a threat to the security and stability of countries. Turkish drones are not only more affordable than their US counterparts but also offer advanced technological capabilities, positioning them at the forefront of military technology. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is ambitiously developing its shipbuilding industry as part of its maritime modernization program. The newly established Shipbuilding Authority aims to localize 100% of naval shipbuilding within the kingdom. Given T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s prominent role in the global shipbuilding industry, it is expected to become a key partner in this field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mutual Gains and Interests:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saudi-Turkish defense cooperation reflects mutual interests. T\u00fcrkiye seeks financial resources, expanded arms sales and a strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, a country ranked fifth globally in terms of defense spending.  For its part, Saudi Arabia aims to leverage T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s expertise to advance its goals of reducing reliance on foreign defense capabilities. This collaboration could enable both countries to realize more ambitious objectives in the defense sector. Notably, such a level of military expertise transfer typically occurs only when there is a high level of alliance and mutual trust between the parties involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Opportunity to Reposition Amid Global Shifts:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The global order is experiencing significant upheaval, with power struggles among major actors creating opportunities for middle powers to assert their interests and redefine their roles regionally and globally. Both T\u00fcrkiye and Saudi Arabia possess the potential to influence the reshaping of the Middle East in this transitional period. Comprehensive bilateral cooperation could pave the way for forming a regional axis led by Riyadh and Ankara. Syria may serve as a critical test for this potential axis (Riyadh-Damascus-Ankara), particularly as the country\u2019s new leadership appears inclined toward fostering relations with both T\u00fcrkiye and Saudi Arabia. Syria could also become a vital conduit for strengthening trade between the two countries, potentially facilitating new strategic projects that link the Gulf to Europe through Jordan, Syria and T\u00fcrkiye, especially in energy and food security sectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s Emergence as a Security Partner to the Gulf States:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Saudi-Turkish defense partnership creates opportunities for T\u00fcrkiye to strengthen its ties with other Gulf states and establish them as strategic partners. The past decade has been marked by tensions and disagreements between T\u00fcrkiye and Gulf countries, but this collaboration signals a shift toward mutual interests. T\u00fcrkiye has consistently sought partnerships with Gulf states, recognizing the significant status and resources these countries possess. This interest stems from the substantial support these partnerships could provide to the Turkish economy, which has been grappling with challenges for years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Independence and Leadership in the Military Industry:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ankara has progressively minimized its reliance on foreign arms imports by advancing domestic production in sectors such as armed drones, missile systems, armored vehicles, and air defense systems. Saudi-Turkish cooperation covers these aspects, enabling the kingdom to benefit from T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s expertise especially in how it achieved self-sufficiency for a substantial portion of its military needs. This reduces dependence on international partners and mitigates the constraints, conditions and restrictions often associated with arms sales, which Saudi Arabia has faced in recent years. Such collaboration not only bolsters national security but also aligns with the kingdom\u2019s substantial resources and its strategic interest in military and technological advancements. With Saudi Arabia\u2019s significant investments and ambitions in this field, this partnership could have a transformative impact on global defense industries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potential Challenges<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Despite the mutually beneficial aspects of Saudi-Turkish defense cooperation, several challenges persist<\/a>, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conflicting Interests With Major Powers:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some international and regional powers may perceive the growth of Saudi-Turkish defense cooperation as a potential threat to their interests. T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s emergence as an arms supplier to the Gulf states could be viewed by Western powers as a challenge to their longstanding military partnerships in the region. This dynamic may prompt Western countries to exert pressure to curtail or influence the extent of Saudi-Turkish collaboration, particularly in the defense sector. Moreover, T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s dual approach to foreign policy \u2014 balancing ties with both Western powers and non-Western actors \u2014 raises concerns for the West, especially if this cooperation evolves into strategic coordination that could reshape the regional security framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Sanctions on Turkey:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Many Turkish aviation projects still depend on imported engines, a challenge that Turkish defense companies are striving to overcome by minimizing dependence on foreign suppliers. This dependence poses risks to domestic production projects, especially in the face of potential sanctions or restrictions that the United States might impose on equipment critical to T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s advanced defense industry. Such vulnerabilities could also affect T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s defense cooperation with Saudi Arabia. For instance, similar challenges were seen in Ankara\u2019s defense collaboration with Pakistan, in which objections raised by the United States disrupted planned defense sales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israel Sabotaging Cooperation Trajectories:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Israel may perceive Saudi-Turkish defense and strategic cooperation as a challenge to its efforts to position itself as a key security provider and arms supplier in the region. This partnership could limit Israel\u2019s opportunities to sell advanced weapons and reduce its influence on regional security dynamics. Consequently, Israel may attempt to obstruct this cooperation and counter any outcomes that it perceives as detrimental to its interests. Furthermore, Israel\u2019s vision for the future of the Middle East might lead it to view this rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and T\u00fcrkiye \u2014two of the region\u2019s most influential powers \u2014 with both concern and caution. The prospect of strengthened ties and multifaceted alliances between Riyadh and Ankara could threaten Israel\u2019s ambitions to expand the Abraham Accords and secure a dominant role in a regional system that integrates Israel at its core.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Iran\u2019s Concerns:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Historically, Iran perceives both Saudi Arabia and T\u00fcrkiye as regional competitors and views their cooperation as a direct challenge<\/a> to its regional influence. Currently, this partnership threatens to create a new regional balance that undermines Iran\u2019s strategic gains and influence. As T\u00fcrkiye and the Gulf states accelerate their rapprochement and align their perspectives on achieving stability in Syria, Iraq and Lebanon, Iran\u2019s regional project \u2014 which is already encountering significant setbacks \u2014 may face further difficulties. While T\u00fcrkiye and Saudi Arabia prioritize regional stability, Iran often relies on fomenting chaos to sustain its alliances with armed groups in various regional states. Additionally, cooperation at the defense level between Riyadh and Ankara could heighten regional competition, potentially fueling an arms race in the Middle East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Concerns Regarding Saudi Arabia\u2019s Strides in\u00a0 Localizing Its Defense Industry:<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kingdom\u2019s significant progress in defense production reduces its reliance on arms imports while bolstering the development of its domestic defense industry. There is no doubt that the kingdom\u2019s advancement in acquiring military manufacturing capabilities \u2014 fostering a strategy of defense diversification and independence \u2014 along with its ability to produce strategic and critical weapons, especially through cooperation with external partners like T\u00fcrkiye, represents a major achievement for the national project led by the crown prince. This achievement, however, may be met with resistance from international and regional powers which have their own strategic calculations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Saudi-Turkish military cooperation is accelerating, fueled by the kingdom\u2019s determination to realize the crown prince\u2019s goal of reducing external dependence on military capabilities while diversifying its defense partnerships. This collaboration seeks to minimize unproductive competition, often leading to ideological tensions. At the same time, T\u00fcrkiye is motivated by the opportunity to secure a prominent regional partner, enhance comprehensive cooperation, inject resources into its struggling economy, and solidify its role as a military technology supplier. This cooperation not only strengthens defense ties but also positions the two countries for greater regional influence, advancing relations toward strategic dimensions. This partnership may significantly impact the Middle East\u2019s evolving landscape, which is currently navigating complex, competing projects involving regional and global powers. Despite the challenges, both countries remain essential to establishing a more secure and stable future for the region. Syria, in particular, could serve as a crucial test for the broader implications of this partnership, both in defense and diplomacy, as it paves the way for advancing the relationship to a level that enhances regional security and mitigates dangerous fluctuations.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

On December 22, 2024, Saudi Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Fayyad bin Hamed al-Ruwaili visited T\u00fcrkiye upon an invitation from his Turkish counterpart, Metin G\u00fcrak. The two officials held both individual and joint discussions, and Ruwaili also met with T\u00fcrkiye\u2019s minister of defense. While no official statements or comments were issued regarding the visit, it […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":13203,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[7097,7098],"class_list":["post-13202","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-reports","tag-saudi-turkish","tag-saudi-turkish-military"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13202","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13202"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13202\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13204,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13202\/revisions\/13204"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13202"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13202"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rasanah-iiis.org\/english\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13202"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}