Turkey plans to more than triple its defence spending, boosting resources by 229% over the next three years to strengthen self-reliance and expand its influence across Europe and West Asia. Announcing the plan, Vice-President Cevdet Yilmaz emphasised that the funding aims to advance domestic technology, fulfill national defence needs, and build high-added-value platforms, noting that security is essential for economic development and democracy.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-and-greece-open-intelligence-channel-as-regional-tensions-simmer-1788519919194/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-and-greece-open-intelligence-channel-as-regional-tensions-simmer-1788519919194/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;This strategic shift seemingly follows years of Turkish frustration with unreliable Western allies and a desire for greater strategic autonomy. Rather than purchasing hardware from NATO partners, Turkey is directing the budget increase into its domestic industrial base, focusing on drone warfare, air defence, and electronic warfare.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-pakistan-saudi-arabia-mecca-defence-pact-meeting-1788088534160">Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to hold first defence committee meeting under Mecca pact</a><h2>Surrounding Conflicts and Regional Role</h2>Ankara’s policy is shaped by multi-front regional security threats. Rising shipping attacks from the Russia-Ukraine war directly affect Turkey’s control of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. As NATO’s southern flank, Turkey also acts as a deterrent against Russian sabotage near members like Bulgaria and Romania.&nbsp;Coming to West Asia and Mediterranean, the unpredictability surrounding the US-Iran-Israel conflict, Houthi threats, and Israel’s actions in Syria, including a recent strike on a Syrian airbase near the Turkish border have heightened tensions. Tensions have also flared with Greece, which recently signed a $3.48 billion deal to buy Israeli air defence systems.&nbsp;The decreasing US commitments in West Asia has pushed middle powers to self-rely. Turkey must also maintain its widespread foreign military presence, including bases in Libya, Qatar, Somalia, and Syria.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/what-has-the-makkah-pact-done-jaishankar-questions-significance-of-pakistan-turkey-saudi-defence-deal-1787429737537">'What has the Makkah pact done?': Jaishankar questions significance of Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi defence deal</a>&nbsp;Turkey is transitioning from a military consumer to a major defence exporter:<h3>Mecca Joint Defence Agreement</h3>&nbsp;This was signed earlier on August 7, alongside Saudi Arabia and Pakistan; this mutual defence pact stipulates that an attack on one nation is treated as an attack on all three. It unites Turkish military technology, Saudi capital, and Pakistani military capability.&nbsp;<h3>Kaan Stealth Fighter</h3>&nbsp;Following a diplomatic thaw, the US agreed to supply engines for Turkey’s fifth-generation Kaan fighter jet. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are prospective buyers.<h3>Drones and Hardware</h3> Turkey continues to expand domestic production of tanks, submarines, and specialised platforms such as the Bayraktar drones and Akinci UCAVs, which are actively exported and deployed in regional conflicts.

Turkey announces plans to raise its defence spending by 229% over the next three years to boost domestic technology, strategic autonomy, and regional presence.

Turkey plans to more than triple its defence spending, boosting resources by 229% over the next three years to strengthen self-reliance and expand its influence across Europe and West Asia. Announcing the plan, Vice-President Cevdet Yilmaz emphasised that the funding aims to advance domestic technology, fulfill national defence needs, and build high-added-value platforms, noting that security is essential for economic development and democracy. https://www.wionews.com/videos/turkey-and-greece-open-intelligence-channel-as-regional-tensions-simmer-1788519919194/embed This strategic shift seemingly follows years of Turkish frustration with unreliable Western allies and a desire for greater strategic autonomy. Rather than purchasing hardware from NATO partners, Turkey is directing the budget increase into its domestic industrial base, focusing on drone warfare, air defence, and electronic warfare. Also read: Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia to hold first defence committee meeting under Mecca pact Surrounding Conflicts and Regional Role Ankara’s policy is shaped by multi-front regional security threats. Rising shipping attacks from the Russia-Ukraine war directly affect Turkey’s control of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. As NATO’s southern flank, Turkey also acts as a deterrent against Russian sabotage near members like Bulgaria and Romania. Coming to West Asia and Mediterranean, the unpredictability surrounding the US-Iran-Israel conflict, Houthi threats, and Israel’s actions in Syria, including a recent strike on a Syrian airbase near the Turkish border have heightened tensions. Tensions have also flared with Greece, which recently signed a $3.48 billion deal to buy Israeli air defence systems. The decreasing US commitments in West Asia has pushed middle powers to self-rely. Turkey must also maintain its widespread foreign military presence, including bases in Libya, Qatar, Somalia, and Syria. Also read: 'What has the Makkah pact done?': Jaishankar questions significance of Pakistan-Turkey-Saudi defence deal Turkey is transitioning from a military consumer to a major defence exporter: Mecca Joint Defence Agreement This was signed earlier on August 7, alongside Saudi Arabia and Pakistan; this mutual defence pact stipulates that an attack on one nation is treated as an attack on all three. It unites Turkish military technology, Saudi capital, and Pakistani military capability. Kaan Stealth Fighter Following a diplomatic thaw, the US agreed to supply engines for Turkey’s fifth-generation Kaan fighter jet. Saudi Arabia and Pakistan are prospective buyers. Drones and Hardware Turkey continues to expand domestic production of tanks, submarines, and specialised platforms such as the Bayraktar drones and Akinci UCAVs, which are actively exported and deployed in regional conflicts.

Turkey announces plans to raise its defence spending by 229% over the next three years to boost domestic technology, strategic autonomy, and regional presence.

From drones to KAAN fighters: Turkey outlines 229% surge in defence spending amid regional shifts

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday (August 11) reacted to the recently signed "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement" between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, saying India is examining the pact's implications from the perspective of national security, regional peace and stability.&nbsp;Speaking at the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India continues to closely monitor developments in the West Asia conflict and is assessing the potential impact of the agreement.&nbsp;"We continue to closely follow developments in the West Asia conflict. As far as this agreement is concerned, we are examining its implications both from the perspective of India's national security and considerations of regional peace and stability. India remains fully committed to safeguarding its national interests and will take all necessary measures in this regard," Jaiswal said.&nbsp;<h2>India responds to China's Arunachal Pradesh objection</h2>On China's reaction to India's decision to map and formally assign standard official names to 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh, New Delhi reiterated that the northeastern state remains an integral part of India.&nbsp;"Arunachal is an inalienable and integral part of India, and this is a self-evident fact. At the same time, let me also underline that nothing can change this indisputable reality," Jaiswal said.&nbsp;The statement came days after China described India's move to identify 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names as "null and void".&nbsp;New Delhi also stressed the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the India-China border, saying the situation along the border directly affects the broader bilateral relationship.&nbsp;"In matters relating to the border areas between India and China, we have always emphasised in discussions with the Chinese side that we consider these issues as most serious and that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in these areas is of the utmost importance. We have also stated that the state of the border affairs will reflect on the state of our larger bilateral ties," Jaiswal said.&nbsp;The MEA said India reiterated this position during the recently held 36th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) on August 6, 2026.&nbsp;Jaiswal added that both sides agreed to continue using existing diplomatic and military channels to address outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations along the LAC.These mechanisms include the WMCC, local commander-level meetings and other agreed channels between India and China.

India also firmly rejected China’s objections to the naming of 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of India and stressing that peace and tranquillity along the border remain vital to bilateral ties.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Tuesday (August 11) reacted to the recently signed "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement" between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, saying India is examining the pact's implications from the perspective of national security, regional peace and stability. Speaking at the weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India continues to closely monitor developments in the West Asia conflict and is assessing the potential impact of the agreement. "We continue to closely follow developments in the West Asia conflict. As far as this agreement is concerned, we are examining its implications both from the perspective of India's national security and considerations of regional peace and stability. India remains fully committed to safeguarding its national interests and will take all necessary measures in this regard," Jaiswal said. India responds to China's Arunachal Pradesh objection On China's reaction to India's decision to map and formally assign standard official names to 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh, New Delhi reiterated that the northeastern state remains an integral part of India. "Arunachal is an inalienable and integral part of India, and this is a self-evident fact. At the same time, let me also underline that nothing can change this indisputable reality," Jaiswal said. The statement came days after China described India's move to identify 27 places and geographical features in Arunachal Pradesh by their standard names as "null and void". New Delhi also stressed the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the India-China border, saying the situation along the border directly affects the broader bilateral relationship. "In matters relating to the border areas between India and China, we have always emphasised in discussions with the Chinese side that we consider these issues as most serious and that the maintenance of peace and tranquillity in these areas is of the utmost importance. We have also stated that the state of the border affairs will reflect on the state of our larger bilateral ties," Jaiswal said. The MEA said India reiterated this position during the recently held 36th Meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) on August 6, 2026. Jaiswal added that both sides agreed to continue using existing diplomatic and military channels to address outstanding issues and prevent misunderstandings and miscalculations along the LAC. These mechanisms include the WMCC, local commander-level meetings and other agreed channels between India and China.

India also firmly rejected China’s objections to the naming of 27 places in Arunachal Pradesh, asserting that the state is an integral part of India and stressing that peace and tranquillity along the border remain vital to bilateral ties.

'Examining implications': India reacts to Pakistan-Saudi-Turkey defence pact

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (August 07) rejected reports claiming that India had approached Israel for a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework.&nbsp;The claim first appeared in Turkish media outlet Straturka and later spread across social media. The report, citing unnamed Pakistani sources, claimed that New Delhi had started discussions with Tel Aviv for a defence agreement to counter the trilateral security arrangement.&nbsp;The MEA Fact Check unit dismissed the report as fake news and shared a screenshot of the article on social media.&nbsp;"We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms which use AI to create fake content!" the MEA Fact Check wing said in a post on X.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Fake Alert!!! 🚨🚨🚨 We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms! <a href="https://t.co/X4YCMY1q4j">pic.twitter.com/X4YCMY1q4j</a>&mdash; MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) <a href="https://x.com/MEAFactCheck/status/2085759333447746038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The claim emerged after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed the "Mecca Joint Defence Agreement". The pact seeks to strengthen military coordination and joint security among the three countries.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/e20-petrol-row-puri-says-only-four-contaminated-samples-found-rahul-gandhi-steps-up-attack-1786122960349">E20 petrol row: Puri says only four contaminated samples found, Rahul Gandhi steps up attack</a>&nbsp;Pakistan's foreign ministry said the agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence. It also stated that "any armed attack against any one of the three States shall be regarded as an attack against them all."&nbsp;The agreement also includes wider defence cooperation across several areas.&nbsp;The MEA said on Friday that India was closely monitoring developments related to the trilateral agreement. Addressing a weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "This is also a development that we are closely following, and we shall keep you updated."<h3>Netanyahu says India, Israel ties will strengthen</h3>Amid the reports about an alleged India-Israel defence pact, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said India and Israel would continue to strengthen their relationship.&nbsp;Netanyahu made the remarks in a post on X while resharing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's post about a phone conversation between the two leaders on Thursday.&nbsp;The conversation focused on strengthening the Special Strategic Partnership between India and Israel and discussing the situation in West Asia.&nbsp;"Thank you, my friend, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi. Together we continue to strengthen the bond between Israel and India," Netanyahu said.&nbsp;PM Modi and Netanyahu spoke by phone on Thursday to review and further strengthen bilateral ties. The two leaders discussed deeper cooperation across several sectors and regional developments.&nbsp;MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal gave details of the conversation during the biweekly press briefing in New Delhi on Friday. Jaiswal said the Israeli side initiated the call and Prime Minister Modi received it.

The MEA has rejected as “fake news” reports that India sought a defence pact with Israel following the Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey security agreement, while New Delhi continues to closely monitor the trilateral pact.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday (August 07) rejected reports claiming that India had approached Israel for a defence pact in response to the newly formed Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey security framework. The claim first appeared in Turkish media outlet Straturka and later spread across social media. The report, citing unnamed Pakistani sources, claimed that New Delhi had started discussions with Tel Aviv for a defence agreement to counter the trilateral security arrangement. The MEA Fact Check unit dismissed the report as fake news and shared a screenshot of the article on social media. "We caution against such malicious posts on social media platforms which use AI to create fake content!" the MEA Fact Check wing said in a post on X.

The MEA has rejected as “fake news” reports that India sought a defence pact with Israel following the Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey security agreement, while New Delhi continues to closely monitor the trilateral pact.

‘Fake news’: MEA rejects report claiming India sought defence pact with Israel after Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey deal

A member of Iran's Parliament and the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission has criticised the newly signed defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, arguing that the agreement will not ensure Riyadh's security. Ebrahim Rezaei reacted to the defence agreement on X, writing, "Saudis must know that a paper agreement with Turkey and Pakistan will not bring them security, just as years of one-sided nursing to the Americans did not bring them security."&nbsp;He further claimed that if Saudi Arabia changed its policies, it would not need to ‘beg’ other countries for security. Earlier in the day, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed a new defence pact, known as the ‘Mecca Joint Defence Agreement’, aimed at strengthening security cooperation amid heightened regional tensions following the conflict between the United States and Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;The ongoing crisis has also affected Gulf states and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Under the agreement, an attack on any one of the three member countries will be treated as an attack on all three. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "The Agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression, and stipulates that any armed attack against any one of the three States shall be regarded as an attack against them all. It further provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defence cooperation among the three States".&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-was-standing-in-front-of-the-teacher-when-she-was-shot-student-recalls-thailand-school-shooting-horror-1786112068049">'I was standing in front of the teacher when she was shot': Student recalls Thailand school shooting horror</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">سعودی‌ها باید بدانند که توافق کاغذی با ترکیه و پاکستان برای آنها امنیت‌آور نیست، همان‌طور که سال‌ها شیردهی یکطرفه به آمریکایی‌ها برایشان امنیت نیاورد. سیاست‌هایتان را اصلاح کنید تا نیاز نباشد از دیگران <a href="https://x.com/hashtag/%DA%AF%D8%AF%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C_%D8%A7%D9%85%D9%86%DB%8C%D8%AA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#گدایی_امنیت</a> کنید.&mdash; ابراهیم رضایی (@EbrahimRezaei14) <a href="https://x.com/EbrahimRezaei14/status/2085694930077237398?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Saudi Arabia and Pakistan had already announced a mutual defence pact in 2025, a move that attracted significant attention as Pakistan remains the only nuclear-armed nation in the Muslim world. The latest agreement also comes amid renewed instability in the region after a truce between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels collapsed. Since the ceasefire ended, the Houthis have launched attacks on Saudi territory and declared a maritime blockade against the kingdom, attempting to enforce it by targeting Saudi oil tankers.

Iran criticised the newly signed Mecca Joint Defence Agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. Iranian MP Ebrahim Rezaei said the pact would not guarantee Riyadh's security despite enhanced defence cooperation

A member of Iran's Parliament and the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission has criticised the newly signed defence pact between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey, arguing that the agreement will not ensure Riyadh's security. Ebrahim Rezaei reacted to the defence agreement on X, writing, "Saudis must know that a paper agreement with Turkey and Pakistan will not bring them security, just as years of one-sided nursing to the Americans did not bring them security." He further claimed that if Saudi Arabia changed its policies, it would not need to ‘beg’ other countries for security. Earlier in the day, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey signed a new defence pact, known as the ‘Mecca Joint Defence Agreement’, aimed at strengthening security cooperation amid heightened regional tensions following the conflict between the United States and Iran. The ongoing crisis has also affected Gulf states and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. Under the agreement, an attack on any one of the three member countries will be treated as an attack on all three. Pakistan's Foreign Ministry said in a statement, "The Agreement is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression, and stipulates that any armed attack against any one of the three States shall be regarded as an attack against them all. It further provides for the enhancement of all aspects of defence cooperation among the three States". Also Read: 'I was standing in front of the teacher when she was shot': Student recalls Thailand school shooting horror

Iranian lawmaker Ebrahim Rezaei criticised the Pakistan-Saudi Arabia-Turkey ‘Mecca Joint Defence Agreement’, saying it will not guarantee Saudi security despite the new mutual defence pact

'Security can't be bought with Pakistan, Turkey deal': Iran tells Saudi Arabia