Canada, which banned the export of drone parts to Turkey seven years ago, is now actively exploring the option of procuring unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Turkey.
According to sources cited by Middle East Eye, official Ottawa is particularly interested in Turkish drones designed for intelligence and surveillance missions with medium-altitude long-endurance capabilities.
This marks a significant shift in Canada's policy, which imposed an embargo in 2019 due to Turkey's military operations in Syria. At that time, the sale of electro-optical and infrared cameras from Canada's Wescam, used by Turkish drone manufacturers Baykar and TAI, was sanctioned.
Discussions are still in the early stages, and a final agreement may not be reached. Middle East Eye emphasizes that Canada's move is driven not only by technological needs but also by a desire to diversify arms suppliers and reduce dependence on the US military industrial market.
A visit by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to Turkey is planned during the NATO summit in July. Additionally, a special official visit is expected in the fall to discuss new defense cooperation projects, particularly in the unmanned technology sector.
