Kenya and Türkiye have strengthened bilateral defence relations following the signing of a defence cooperation agreement during SAHA 2026 in Istanbul. The agreement reflects Türkiye's growing engagement with African defence markets and Kenya's continued efforts to expand international partnerships that support military capability development.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya said:

According to reports, the framework focuses on military cooperation, training, capacity building and defence technology knowledge exchange. While specific programmes have not yet been announced, the agreement establishes a foundation for closer collaboration between the two countries and could pave the way for future initiatives across a range of defence sectors.

Türkiye has emerged as an increasingly influential player within the global defence industry. Over the past decade, Turkish companies have expanded their presence in international markets through a combination of advanced technologies, competitive pricing and strong industrial cooperation models. Products ranging from unmanned systems and land platforms to naval technologies and communications solutions have attracted growing interest from military organisations around the world.

For Kenya, strengthening defence relationships with international partners forms part of a broader effort to modernise military capabilities and enhance operational readiness. Training programmes, specialist expertise and technology cooperation can all contribute to long term capability development while helping armed forces adapt to evolving security challenges.

The agreement also highlights the growing importance of knowledge sharing and capacity building within modern defence partnerships. Increasingly, governments are seeking arrangements that support skills development, professional education and technical expertise alongside equipment acquisition. This approach helps ensure that new capabilities can be effectively integrated and sustained over time.

Across Africa, demand for defence technologies and specialist expertise continues to grow. As countries invest in modernisation programmes and seek new ways to strengthen security capabilities, partnerships that combine technology, training and industrial cooperation are becoming increasingly attractive.

The Kenya Türkiye agreement reflects this broader trend and demonstrates the value of international collaboration in supporting capability development and defence innovation.

Why This Matters for AFRIDEX

International partnerships play a critical role in shaping the future of defence and security across Africa. AFRIDEX provides a platform where military leaders, procurement officials and defence companies can engage with global suppliers, explore emerging technologies and develop strategic relationships that support long term capability development.

Türkiye's growing defence relationship with Africa is also being supported at an institutional level through the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), which oversees Türkiye's indigenous defence programmes, procurement strategies, military research and development investments and defence export activities across air, land, naval, cyber and space domains.

The participation of SSB at AFRIDEX highlights the strategic importance Türkiye places on international defence cooperation and defence industrial engagement. As African nations continue to modernise military capabilities and strengthen indigenous defence industries, organisations such as SSB play an increasingly important role in supporting technology partnerships, industrial collaboration and long term capability development.

AFRIDEX will welcome a strong delegation of Turkish defence organisations representing a broad range of capabilities.

Among them is ASELSAN, Türkiye's largest defence electronics company and a global leader in radar systems, electronic warfare technologies, integrated air defence solutions, secure communications and command and control technologies.

HAVELSAN will also be exhibiting, bringing expertise in command and control systems, military simulation technologies, cyber defence solutions, naval combat management systems and artificial intelligence enabled battlefield technologies.

STM adds capabilities across naval defence, tactical drones, loitering munitions, cyber security and autonomous systems. The company is known for the KARGU loitering munition and its involvement in Türkiye's national warship programme.

Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) will showcase expertise in military aviation, unmanned aerial systems, aerospace engineering and space technologies. The company develops advanced platforms including the ANKA UAV, AKSUNGUR UCAV, ATAK helicopter, HÜRJET trainer aircraft and the KAAN fifth generation fighter programme.

Also participating is Med Marine, a specialist shipbuilder supporting naval, coast guard and port security operations through patrol vessels, maritime security platforms and emergency response vessels.

Completing the delegation is MKE, Türkiye's state owned defence manufacturer and one of the country's most established defence organisations, producing weapons systems, artillery, ammunition, rockets, military explosives and precision guided munitions.

Together, these organisations demonstrate the breadth of Turkish defence capability spanning air defence, military aviation, drones, cyber security, command and control systems, naval technologies, maritime security, weapons systems, ammunition production and advanced defence manufacturing.

Their participation highlights the growing importance of Africa as a strategic defence market and creates valuable opportunities for military organisations, procurement authorities and industry stakeholders attending AFRIDEX to engage directly with some of Türkiye's leading defence institutions and technology providers.

As part of its international engagement programme, the AFRIDEX team will be attending Eurosatory in Paris this June, meeting defence companies, government representatives and industry organisations from across Europe. These engagements are helping to strengthen international participation at AFRIDEX while creating new opportunities for collaboration between African stakeholders and global defence suppliers.

For organisations interested in defence cooperation, training solutions, technology transfer and capability development, AFRIDEX offers opportunities to connect with stakeholders from Kenya, Türkiye and across the wider African defence community.

Join the Conversation at AFRIDEX

As defence partnerships continue to evolve, AFRIDEX brings together military leaders, government representatives and technology providers to explore the opportunities, innovations and collaborations shaping the future of security across Africa.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST