Canada Lifts Export Controls on Certain Weapons to Türkiye
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Ottawa, The Gulf Observer: Canada has officially lifted export controls on specific categories of weapons destined for Türkiye, including drone optical technology. The announcement, posted online on Monday, outlines a shift in the export policy, signaling that all exports to Türkiye will now be subject to individual case assessments.
This decision comes after Canada had suspended the sale of drone technology to Türkiye in 2020, alleging that the optical equipment attached to Türkiye-manufactured drones had been used by Azerbaijan during the conflict with Armenia in Karabakh. Canada’s concerns led to a temporary halt in the sale of specific military equipment.
Notably, the recent development follows Türkiye’s endorsement of Sweden’s NATO membership bid, eliminating two major obstacles in the path. The endorsement from Türkiye is crucial for Sweden’s NATO membership bid, and with these hurdles removed, Hungary remains the only country yet to approve Sweden’s entry into the alliance.
While Canada and Türkiye share NATO membership, the resumption of military equipment sales required extensive negotiations between the two nations. The agreement reached entails Türkiye providing information if drones equipped with Canadian technology are re-exported, particularly if Türkiye exports them to non-NATO member countries.
In adherence to Canadian law and the international Arms Trade Treaty, Ottawa is committed to preventing the diversion of exported military goods to unauthorized entities, ensuring that the equipment is used exclusively by its intended recipients.
