Special to WorldTribune.com

ANKARA — Turkey has expanded defense cooperation with Pakistan.

Ankara has approved a project to coproduce armored vehicles for the Pakistan Army. Under the agreement, Turkey’s Nurol Technologies was contracted to transfer technology to enhance armor vehicle protection for platforms assembled by Pakistan’s state-owned Heavy Industries Taxila.

“This is another example of how Turkey is using advanced technology to help an ally,” an official said.

In December 2014, Nurol signed a cooperation agreement with Taxila in the production of armored vehicles. Under the accord, Nurol would transfer technology and expertise to enhance armored protection to the level of B7+.

Over the last five years, Turkey has been recruited to help Pakistan maintain its military. The state-owned Turkish Aerospace Industries has upgraded Pakistan’s F-16 multi-role figher fleet while Aselsan enhanced the Type 59 main battle tank.

Officials said Turkey has become an alternative to the withdrawal of NATO as a supplier to Pakistan. Such NATO members as France and the United States have reduced defense and military projects amid evidence that Islamabad was working with elements linked to Al Qaida.

“In some cases, we have been encouraged to help the Pakistanis,” the official said.

  Turkey expands defense support to Pakistan as alternative as NATO cuts back, WorldTribune.com