02.02.2025 19:20
The French press has expressed discomfort over the increasing relations between Turkey and the Central African country of Chad, as well as the cooperation in the defense industry. It was claimed that after Chad sent away all French soldiers stationed within its borders, Turkish drones were deployed to the vacant military bases.
For years, the Central African country of Chad, which has been under the colonial rule of France, has given the Paris administration a deadline until January 31 to withdraw its troops stationed in the country, and French forces began to withdraw on December 10, 2024, without waiting for this date.
THEY WERE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH TURKEY'S PRESENCE IN CHAD
Following the departure of the last French plane from the country, a ceremony was held with the participation of Chad's President Mahamat Idriss Déby. After these developments, French media claimed that Turkish drones had settled at the Faya-Largeau base. Reports on the matter alleged that the reason for the presence of Turkish drones in the region was military. It was noted that experts and technicians responsible for the implementation of the Bayraktar drones purchased by Chad were present at the airbase, and that only assigned personnel, drone pilots, and Bayraktar employees were in the area.
'TURKEY IS FILLING THE GAPS IN THE REGION'
In the French press, which is uncomfortable with Turkey's defense collaborations with African countries, it was stated, 'Turkey is becoming an increasingly privileged partner of African armies. While Turkey is filling the gaps in the region, it has started to pursue significant claims in Africa and has proven itself to many countries.'
"WHOEVER IS IN CHAD SHINES IN AFRICA"
In the French RFİ newspaper, it was stated that Ankara's Bayraktar sales have made it an attractive center in the African market, and that collaborating with Chad, which has great strategic importance in the region, is effective and meaningful. The article noted, "Whoever is in Chad shines in Africa."
CLAIM OF TURKEY ESTABLISHING A BASE IN THE REGION
On the other hand, the French media is quite concerned about Turkey establishing a military base in the region. It was suggested that Turkish drones have settled at the Faya-Largeau base but could also be deployed to the Abeche military base, which was recently abandoned by French soldiers.
DRONE COOPERATION WITH CHAD
In recent years, agreements have been made between Chad and Turkey in the field of defense industry, and the Encemine administration has purchased HÜRKUŞ-C attack aircraft, ANKA-S UAVs, AKSUNGUR UAVs, MAM-L, and laser-guided missiles and smart munitions from Ankara.