Turkey provides Ethiopia with a weapon that turns the scales of battles, and Egypt is moving to thwart the deal
Informed sources said that Turkey intends to hand over to Ethiopia a powerful weapon that will upset the scales of the battles it enters, in a move that may anger Egypt.
The sources told Reuters that Turkey has expanded its exports of armed drones by negotiating deals with Ethiopia after their successful use in international conflicts.
According to "Reuters", the completion of such a deal with Ethiopia may threaten to further complicate relations between Turkey and Egypt, which differ with Addis Ababa over the Renaissance Dam.
The agency quoted two Egyptian security sources as saying that Cairo had asked the United States and some European countries to help freeze any deal.
A third Egyptian source said that any agreement should be presented and clarified in the ongoing talks between Cairo and Ankara, which aim at reforming bilateral relations.
A Turkish official said Ethiopia and Morocco had requested the purchase of Bayraktar TB2 drones in agreements that could also include guarantees for spare parts and training.
A diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Morocco had received the first batch of armed drones it had ordered in May.
He added that Ethiopia intends to obtain it, but the status of this order is not clear.
The sources did not mention the number of aircraft included in the two deals, nor did they provide any financial details.
Morocco's acquisition of these planes may also strain the relationship between Turkey and Algeria, which is in a state of permanent estrangement and hostility with its neighbor.
And the Moroccan "Hespress" website reported that the Royal Air Force had applied for 12 Turkish "Bayraktar TB2" aircraft, which is considered one of the most advanced robotic aircraft.
Official data shows that Turkey's defense and aviation exports have risen sharply to Morocco and Ethiopia in the past two months, but does not provide details on drone sales.
Turkey produces about 130 types of drones that arm its armed forces and exports some of their types to other countries, which makes it one of the world's leading forces in the production, use and export of this type of advanced military weapons, according to the American magazine "National Interest".
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