Chile sees Türkiye as key defense supplier

Chile is increasingly turning to Türkiye as a strategic defense partner, with top officials praising Turkish defense firms for their growing role in equipping and modernizing the Chilean Armed Forces according to a report by Infodefensa.

During his visit to Ankara and Istanbul, Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren said Türkiye is becoming a significant supplier of military equipment.

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Speaking to TRT Espanol, van Klaveren highlighted Türkiye's expanding defense industry and its potential as a long-term partner. His visit included the second session of the Chile-Türkiye Joint Commission and the Türkiye-Chile Business and Investment Forum.

He underscored the growing bilateral relationship, which spans trade, science, defense, and Antarctic cooperation. Türkiye and Chile, which celebrate 100 years of diplomatic relations in 2026, maintain the only Free Trade Agreement between Türkiye and a Latin American country.

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz (R) meets Chilean Foreign Minister Alberto van Klaveren (L) at the Turkish Presidential Complex in Ankara, Türkiye on April 09, 2025. (AA Photo)

Aselsan and Havelsan lead defense projects in Chile

Türkiye’s state-owned defense companies Aselsan and Havelsan are spearheading key modernization programs for Chile's military.

• Aselsan opened a regional office in Santiago in March 2024. The company supplies electronic warfare systems, including the HEWS (Helicopter Electronic Warfare System) for Chile’s Airbus AS532AL Cougar helicopters.
• In 2023, Chile's state-run FAMAE selected Aselsan to upgrade the fire control systems of Leopard 2A4 tanks. This followed an earlier contract to modernize communications systems on the Leopard 2A4, Marder 1A3, and M109 artillery platforms.
• Havelsan signed an agreement in March 2025 with the Chilean Navy to integrate its Advent Combat Management System (CMS) into two M-class multipurpose frigates: FF-15 Almirante Blanco Encalada and FF-18 Almirante Riveros.

The integration of the CMS Advent system is expected to be completed within four years, providing enhanced interoperability with existing onboard weapons and sensors.

The modernization of the Leopard 2A4 tanks was entrusted to the Turkish company Aselsan as part of the Proaco project, launched in 2018 to counter technological obsolescence, accessed on September 13, 2024. (Picture via FAMAE)

Turkish defense industry expands in Latin America

Türkiye aims to expand its defense footprint across Latin America, with a focus on surveillance, drone countermeasures, and communications technologies. Chile, as an early adopter of Turkish defense systems, is seen as a strategic entry point for further regional engagement.