Bosnia and Herzegovina's Defense Minister Zukan Helez met with Turkish defense officials and industry representatives at the Balkan Shield exhibition in Sarajevo. He emphasized that Turkey's support, particularly through the Kirpi II armored vehicles and ASELSAN's KANGAL counter-drone system, plays a significant role in modernizing the Bosnian Armed Forces.
Why it matters
- Helez stated that Turkish assistance is vital to Bosnia and Herzegovina's military modernization.
- Discussions included the procurement of Kirpi II ambulance variants and additional Kirpi II vehicles.
- A contract worth $540,000 was signed for ASELSAN's KANGAL counter-drone system, with deliveries scheduled through November 2026.
The talks were attended by Deputy Defense Minister Salih Ayhan, ASELSAN Deputy General Manager Zekeriyya Şahin, and BMC Automotive General Manager Lütfi Balık. Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ministry of Defense noted Turkey's ongoing support through donations, training, exercises, and equipment projects, and agreed to expand cooperation on training Bosnian personnel in Turkey.
These developments underscore Turkey's deepening defense engagement in the Balkans. Turkish-made systems in Bosnia and Herzegovina's inventory contribute to regional security, while such agreements strengthen Ankara's export and joint production potential in the region.
Source: Takvim