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Cabinet officials

Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey Strengthen Defense Cooperation Ties

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Bosnia and Herzegovina's Minister of Defense, Zukan Helez, has emphasized the deep historical ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey, highlighting their shared commitment to strengthening the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina and supporting the country's Euro-Atlantic integration. During his visit to Istanbul for the 17th International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF 2025), Helez met with Turkish Minister of National Defense, Yasar Gler, and reaffirmed Bosnia and Herzegovina's commitment to enhancing cooperation with Turkey, particularly in the development of operational capabilities of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina. The two ministers also discussed challenges in the implementation of projects supported by the Turkish Ministry of National Defense, with Helez expressing gratitude for Turkey's continued support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's development.

Key Takeaways:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey have deep historical ties, with Turkey being one of the most important partners of BiH in strengthening the Armed Forces of BiH and supporting Euro-Atlantic integration.
  • The meeting between Zukan Helez and Yasar Gler emphasized unwavering support for Bosnia and Herzegovina's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as efforts to strengthen its defense and security system.
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ministry of Defense has signed an agreement with Turkish company ASFAT to train 60 pilots over a 10-year period, a significant investment in the capabilities of the Armed Forces of BiH.
  • The two ministers agreed to procure and install flight data recorders (also known as 'black boxes') on Armed Forces of BiH helicopters, enhancing the safety and efficiency of military operations.
  • Bosnia and Herzegovina's NATO accession process remains a key foreign policy priority, with Turkey expressing unequivocal support for BiH's NATO path.
  • The meeting highlighted the importance of continued partnership between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Turkey in areas such as defense production, military training, and personnel exchange.

Statistics:

  • 10 years: the duration of the agreement between Bosnia and Herzegovina's Ministry of Defense and Turkish company ASFAT to train 60 pilots.
  • 6 pilots per year: the number of pilots to be trained under the agreement.
  • 60 pilots: the total number of pilots to be trained under the agreement.
  • Significance of investment: the agreement represents a significant investment in the capabilities of the Armed Forces of BiH, even by the standards of countries with larger defense budgets than Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Sources:

  • Helez, Zukan. (2023, IDEF 2025, Istanbul). "Meeting with Minister Yasar Gler: Strong Confirmation of Bosnia and Herzegovina's Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity".
  • Ministry of Defense of Bosnia and Herzegovina. (2023). "BiH Ministry of Defense Signs Agreement with Turkish Company ASFAT for Pilot Training".
  • Government of Bosnia and Herzegovina. (2023). "Meeting between Deputy Chair of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Defense, Zukan Helez, and Minister of National Defense of the Republic of Turkey, Yasar Gler".

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