Japan’s defense minister will hold talks in Turkiye on Tuesday on defense industry cooperation, including the possible supply of Turkish-made drones, as Tokyo expands the role of unmanned systems in its armed forces.

Axar.az informs, citing Reuters, Gen Nakatani is the first Japanese defense minister to make such an official trip to Turkiye.

Nakatani and Turkiye’s Defense Minister Yasar Guler are expected to “discuss ways to expand cooperation on defense equipment and technology and exchange views on regional developments,” the diplomatic source in Ankara said.

They also aim to increase contacts between the Turkish Armed Forces and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces at unit level, the source added. Nakatani is also scheduled to visit Istanbul on Wednesday.

During the visit, Nakatani will tour Turkish defense companies and facilities including Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS), navy shipyards and drone maker Baykar, an industry source said.