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National Defense Minister Yasar Guler said Türkiye has prepared a self-sufficient force for the international stabilization force in Gaza and training activities have begun, expressing his desire for the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) to be sent to Gaza.
"A force has been prepared to be self-sufficient, and training activities have begun," Guler told Japanese news agency Kyodo News in response to a question about the international stabilization force that will undertake security in the Gaza Strip.
Guler emphasized that Türkiye's sole purpose in sending soldiers to a peace force would be to contribute to humanitarian aid and end the conflicts.
"This does not pose a threat to Israel," he said, requesting understanding.
Guler said the combination of Japan's advanced technology accumulation with Türkiye's flexible production capability and international operational experience "contains important potential that can elevate defense industry cooperation to a strategic dimension."
He also noted that Türkiye has continued constructive talks with Japan on issues such as maritime security, unmanned systems, training and air defense technologies following Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani's visit to Ankara.
He said a delegation from the Ministry of National Defense is planned to visit Japan in March this year to discuss defense industry and framework agreement issues.
Regarding Japan's evaluation of procuring Turkish-made unmanned aerial vehicles, Guler emphasized that these UAVs could achieve long endurance, uninterrupted surveillance capability and therefore cost-effective use.
He said these vehicles could be considered as a "deterrent element" for Japan, adding that he hopes they will be preferred.
"Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles are reliable and flexible systems developed in line with experiences gained in operational conditions," Guler said.
Guler pointed to the Anka, produced by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), as a model that Japan is likely to evaluate.
He also emphasized that Baykar's Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles and their subsequent version, the Bayraktar TB3 model, "could contribute to Japan's defense capabilities."
The Turkish Defense Minister noted that the PKK terrorist organization continues its activities in Syria, Iraq and Iran.
"The threat will continue until all weapons are surrendered," he noted.
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When reminded that the SDF terrorist organization reached an agreement with Syria on March 10, 2025, regarding the integration of its units and elements, Guler said the integration process must be completed as soon as possible.
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