It appears that Pakistan and Turkey are collaborating on a joint satellite program. Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) TUSAS revealed the news through its official Twitter account.
According to the tweet, TAI stated that it will cooperate with Pakistan Space & Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) to develop satellite projects.
“We cooperated with Pakistan Space and Upper Research Commission (SUPARCO) to develop satellite projects,” the tweet read.
“Within the scope of the agreement, we will carry out joint studies on electric communication satellites and other space projects. We wish good luck for both countries,” the tweet further added.
Pakistan Uzay ve Üst Araştırma Komisyonu (SUPARCO) ile uydu projeleri geliştirmek için iş birliğine imza attık.💪🏻
Anlaşma kapsamında elektrikli haberleşme uyduları ve diğer uzay projelerine yönelik ortak çalışmalar gerçekleştireceğiz. İki ülke için hayırlı olmasını dileriz.🇹🇷🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/SClqB3oToA
— Türk Havacılık Uzay Sanayii (@TUSAS_TR) January 26, 2022
This is indeed a major development. Important to note, TAI is Turkey’s technology center for the development, modernization, manufacture, system integration, and lifecycle support of the aviation and space industry systems.
Its wide array of products includes combat helicopters, aircrafts, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for which Turkey prides itself in.
Last year, TAI signed a contract with Pakistan’s National Engineering and Science Commission (NESCOM) for the joint production of “ANKA Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.”
Read more: Pakistan Turkey to jointly produce military drones
Pertinent to mention, TAI also developed the T129 ATAK helicopters. Pakistan in 2018 agreed to buy 30 T129 ATAK choppers built by TAI.
Media reports emerged that Pakistan canceled the deal owing to delays in deliveries. To clarify, the delays came owing to the United States’ refusal to issue an export license for engines that power the choppers. However, Pakistan rejected the news.
Pakistan’s national space agency
SUPARCO is Pakistan’s national space agency that built the country’s first satellite, Badr-I. It played a significant role in the development of Pakistan’s missiles. Since 2011, it has been actively pursuing the Space programme 2040.
Under the space programme, Pakistan aims to launch five GEO satellites and six low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites between 2011 and 2040. According to SUPARCO’s official website, the space agency launched 6 satellite programs.
It also launched several space technology applications. Recently, SUPARCO together with the Planning Ministry, has developed a web portal and mobile application through which progress on various projects of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can be monitored.
Read more: Pakistan to launch space program monitoring all projects of the Planning Division