Turkish defence firm to establish bomb production facility in Azerbaijan

Turkish defense company Assan is advancing plans to build an aerial bomb production facility in Azerbaijan, as part of its broader defence cooperation with the country.

The construction agreements for the mass-production plant in the Azerbaijani capital of Baku are "largely completed," according to Assan CEO Gurcak Okumus, with only a few permit processes remaining.

Okumus shared these updates at the Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX), a three-day event held in Baku that concludes on Thursday.

The partnership marks a significant step in Turkish-Azerbaijani defense collaboration, with Turkish-produced and NATO-standard ammunition already being used by Azerbaijan's Air Forces.

Okumus emphasised that Turkish defence firms have established a high level of cooperation with Azerbaijan, positioning themselves as key partners in the country’s defense sector.

This aerial bomb facility will further solidify the defense ties between the two nations.

In addition to the bomb factory, Assan continues to supply various defense products to Azerbaijan, ranging from heavy construction machinery to different types of munitions, which are manufactured at the company’s facilities in Ankara, Turkiye.

Assan’s defense products are also in demand in other international markets, with countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bulgaria, Romania, and Brazil showing interest in their offerings.

The new production facility will be a significant asset for Azerbaijan's defence capabilities.

It aligns with the nation's broader goal of strengthening its defense sector, especially in light of regional security dynamics.

With Turkish expertise in aerial bomb production, Azerbaijan will be able to enhance its self-sufficiency in defense manufacturing, reducing its reliance on imports for critical military equipment.

This initiative also highlights the expanding role of Turkish defence firms on the global stage. Assan, alongside other Turkish defence contractors, has been increasingly involved in supplying and collaborating with international partners.

The Baku-based bomb production facility is expected to bolster both countries' defence industries while also opening up further opportunities for cooperation in defense technology and infrastructure development.

With final permits pending, the project is expected to move forward swiftly, underscoring the strong ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

Armenia has proposed a new peace treaty to Azerbaijan, building on the points agreed upon in their ongoing negotiations, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said.

Azerbaijan and Armenia have engaged in war over the Nagorno-Karabakh territorial dispute. Although a ceasefire was reached in 1994, peace negotiations have continued with sporadic clashes persisting since then.

Both countries have a history of close political, economic, and military cooperation, and this latest collaboration is likely to reinforce their partnership even further.

4o