Gulf turns to Turkey for air defence systems amid Iran threats
As drone warfare reshape the region and US suppliers remain backlogged, Gulf states move to secure Turkish military products
A Tulpar Turkish heavy infantry fighting vehicle on display during the opening day of the Saha Expo, an international defence and aerospace exhibition, in Istanbul on 5 May 2026 (Yasin Akgul/AFP)
By
Ragip Soylu in Ankara
Published date: 11 May 2026 13:47 BST | Last update: 1 day 1 min ago
As the
United States government and defence companies face long backlogs in delivering weapons to their clients, Gulf and Arab states are increasingly signing deals to buy or invest in
Turkish arms.
The US and
Israel's
war on Iran since late February has placed heavy pressure on Gulf countries, particularly
Kuwait, the
United Arab Emirates,
Qatar and
Saudi Arabia.
Despite their robust air defence systems, which remain effective against ballistic missiles, these states are facing ammunition shortages and a serious challenge from
Iranian long-range drones, which have succeeded in destroying several long-range radar systems in the region.
Since then, Gulf states have stepped up engagement with the Turkish government and defence companies to sign contracts for Turkish air defence systems.
"The Gulf nations are on a buying spree, and they are even enquiring about systems already in use by military forces in the region," one person familiar with Gulf thinking told Middle East Eye. "There is even an interest from Oman, which is traditionally neutral."
That strategy was clearly visible during the Turkish arms fair, Saha Expo, which ended over the weekend, where Gulf countries and states such as
Iraq made a strong showing.
Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Abdullah Ali Abdullah Al Sabah signed a government-to-government sales protocol to procure military systems from major Turkish defence companies, including Aselsan, Havelsan, drone maker Baykar, armoured vehicle producer Otokar and Yonca Shipyard.
One source familiar with Kuwaiti government thinking told MEE that Kuwait was particularly interested in Baykar's medium-altitude, long-endurance Akinci drones, as well as air defence systems such as Hisar, which is designed for short- and medium-altitude threats.
Kuwait's interest is not new. The country already
purchased Bayraktar TB2 drones from Ankara in 2023.
Two Turkish defence industry insiders said Saudi Arabia and Qatar were also particularly interested in anti-drone systems produced by Turkish companies.
The insiders said both countries signed contracts to purchase the Korkut 100/25 air defence system. Produced by Aselsan, the system is designed to counter first-person-view and tethered drones using 25-millimetre smart ammunition.
They added that Saudi Arabia also intends to purchase newly unveiled air defence systems presented at Saha Expo, including laser-guided anti-drone systems that can be mounted on small trucks.
'A better offer'
Interest in Turkish air defence systems extends beyond the Gulf. Iraq is also exploring such purchases.
Iraq's deputy army chief of staff for operations, Lieutenant General Saad Harbiye,
told The National that Iraq was finalising the purchase of 20 air defence systems. A source familiar with the matter told MEE that these systems were also likely to be Korkut anti-drone vehicles.
However, the Gulf countries remain the largest potential buyers. UAE Vice President Mansour bin Zayed also visited the Saha fair on Friday, inspecting products displayed by several companies.
One area where Turkey is still struggling to offer a credible option to Gulf states is in the interception of ballistic missiles.
Although Ankara has several systems under development, including the Siper long-range missile defence system, it would need another four to five years of development to adapt them effectively against ballistic missile threats.
One Turkish defence industry insider said Gulf countries remained interested in future Turkish systems because alternative suppliers, such as the United States, face delivery backlogs of several years for Patriot and THAAD systems and their ammunition.
"They can buy Turkish systems within a similar timeframe, with a potential option for localisation and joint development if the conditions are right," the insider said.
"And they increasingly recognise that it is a better offer."
As drone warfare reshape the region and US suppliers remain backlogged, Gulf states move to secure Turkish military products
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