During IDEF defence exhibition in Istanbul Pakistan’s state-owned defense conglomerate GIDS, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Turkish defense firm MKE for aerial munitions.
The July 24, 2025, agreement between GIDS and MKE focuses on aerospace munitions, suggesting Pakistan’s interest in MKE’s aerial bombs and drone-compatible munitions. This builds on earlier collaborations, such as the November 2024 deal with Repkon for 155mm artillery shell production, indicating a broader trend of Turkey supplying Pakistan with munitions and technology.
The PAF operates a mix of platforms, including F-16s, JF-17s, and Turkish drones, which are compatible with NATO-standard munitions like the MK series. Pakistan’s acquisition of Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones,, increases the relevance of MKE’s drone-compatible munitions.
MKE exports to over 40 countries, with Pakistan being a key partner due to close defense ties. MKE’s $639 million in exports in 2024 and its ranking among the top 100 global defense firms highlight its capacity to supply Pakistan.
MKE is known for producing various types of aerial bombs and related munitions, primarily for the Turkish Armed Forces, but these are also exported to over 40 countries, including Pakistan, which has a history of procuring Turkish defense equipment. The following are key aerial munitions produced by MKE that could be compatible with Pakistan’s air force, particularly for use with aircraft and drones in their arsenal:
MK Series General-Purpose Bombs
The MK series includes free-fall general-purpose bombs that can be used as-is or fitted with guidance kits for precision strikes. These bombs are designed for use by fighter jets and, in some cases, unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs). The series includes:
MK-81: 250 lb (113 kg) low-drag bomb.
MK-82: 500 lb (227 kg) bomb, widely used for its versatility.
MK-83: 1,000 lb (454 kg) bomb for larger targets.
MK-84: 2,000 lb (907 kg) bomb, the heaviest in the series, suitable for high-value targets.
These bombs can be integrated with Pakistan Air Force (PAF) platforms such as the JF-17 Thunder (co-developed with China), F-16 Fighting Falcons, and Turkish-supplied drones like the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci UCAVs. When equipped with guidance kits (e.g., Turkish-developed HGK or KGK kits by TÜBİTAK SAGE), these bombs become precision-guided munitions, enhancing their utility for Pakistan’s air operations.
MK series as key munitions for the Turkish Air Force, with good adaptability with guidance kits for precise strikes. Pakistan’s growing use of Turkish drones makes these bombs viable for integration.
Boran 105mm Light Towed Howitzer Ammunition (Air-Portable)
While primarily designed for ground artillery, the Boran 105mm howitzer is air-portable and can be deployed in operations supported by air forces. MKE produces 105mm ammunition for this system, which is lightweight and suitable for rapid deployment in rugged terrains like those in Balochistan or Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Pakistan’s military operations against insurgent groups like the TTP and BLA could benefit from air-dropped or air-supported artillery munitions. The Boran’s ammunition was showcased at Eurosatory 2024, indicating its export potential. Pakistan’s interest in Turkish defense systems, including artillery, suggests potential use.
The Boran’s air-portable nature makes it suitable for joint air-ground operations, aligning with Pakistan’s need for flexible munitions in counterinsurgency missions.
MKE produces munitions compatible with Turkish drones like the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci, which Pakistan has acquired or is in the process of acquiring.
These include:
Small-caliber precision munitions: MKE manufactures ammunition ranging from 5.56mm to 20mm, which can be adapted for drone use, particularly for lightweight precision strikes.
Kemankeş 1 AI-Powered Mini Cruise Missile: While developed by Baykar, MKE’s expertise in explosives and warheads likely contributes to such munitions. The Kemankeş 1, with a range of over 100 km and a 5–6 kg warhead, is designed for TB2 and Akinci drones, operating at up to 12,000 feet at subsonic speeds. Reports indicate Pakistan’s interest in integrating this missile into its PAF arsenal.
Pakistan’s Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci drones can deploy these munitions, enhancing precision strike capabilities against targets like TTP or BLA hideouts. The Kemankeş 1, in particular, aligns with Pakistan’s need for long-range, drone-based strikes.
The agreement signed on July 24, 2025, between Pakistan’s Global Industrial & Defence Solutions (GIDS) and MKE for aerospace munition cooperation shows Pakistan’s intent to procure or co-produce such munitions.