Rwanda has ratified a cooperation agreement with Turkey in the manufacturing of arms and other military equipment, which is seen as a major step forward for Rwanda in building a self-sufficient domestic military equipment industry.
The agreement includes cooperation in the manufacturing of drones, small arms and other military equipment, and the construction of a modern factory in Kigali City to assemble and process weapons and other military equipment.
This step is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s long-term strategy to reduce military imports, and accelerate the development of modern weapons and other military equipment in Rwanda.
Key provisions of the agreement
The agreement provides for cooperation in the processing and assembly of weapons and other military equipment, through a factory to be built in Kigali to assemble drones used in security.
The two countries will also collaborate on a small arms and light weapons manufacturing unit.
The African Center for Security Analysis (ASA) says this will help Rwanda move from using advanced military technology to regional development.
The agreement also includes a provision on technology transfer, with Turkey committing to provide expertise in the production and use of drones and other technological equipment, training Rwandan engineers and technicians, and supporting sustainable operations to maintain and operate these drones.
These steps will further help Rwanda in its journey to self-reliance rather than continuing to rely on imports.
In addition to science and technology, Turkey is also committed to helping Rwanda increase the capacity of workers in the factories to be built in Kigali, while creating new technical jobs, strengthening the drive to promote Science, Technology, Economics and Mathematics (STEM) in universities, and further cooperating in expanding the commercialization of natural resources using computer programs.
The production of modern weapons in Rwanda is expected to help the country have sufficient defence and help it defend itself in times of disaster, reduce the gap of insufficient weapons and build adequate preparations to face international pressure. (Fin)