DRC Turns to Turkey to Boost Military Capabilities Amid Security Challenges in the East

Ankara, April 20, 2026 - The Democratic Republic of Congo is seeking to deepen defense cooperation with Turkey as part of efforts to modernize and strengthen the operational capacity of its armed forces, the government has announced. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense and Veterans Affairs Guy Kabombo Muadiamvita is on an official mission in Ankara, where he visited several Turkish defense industry facilities focused on advanced military technologies. The visit follows a series of diplomatic and security engagements, including participation in a maritime security forum in Paris and bilateral discussions with French defense officials, as Kinshasa continues to diversify its international defense partnerships. According to the Ministry of National Defense, the Ankara visit is a technical and exploratory mission aimed at gaining a detailed understanding of Turkey’s defense industrial capacity and identifying potential areas of cooperation in military modernization. Turkey, a NATO member with a rapidly expanding defense sector, has become a reference point for countries seeking to develop domestic capabilities in areas such as drones, cybersecurity, and command-and-control systems. During the visit, Congolese officials examined facilities linked to Turkish defense industry actors, including HAVELSAN, a company specializing in software systems, simulation technologies, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity solutions for military and civilian applications. Authorities in Kinshasa say the objective is to support broader reforms aimed at building a more modern, self-reliant, and operationally effective defense structure capable of responding to evolving security threats. The mission takes place against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, where government forces continue to face armed groups, including the AFC/M23 rebellion, as well as broader regional security tensions. Officials also referenced previous engagements with Turkish defense institutions, including participation in international defense exhibitions and bilateral agreements aimed at strengthening cooperation in military training, equipment, and industrial development. At the end of his visit, the defense minister expressed satisfaction with the expertise observed and reaffirmed Kinshasa’s intention to strengthen military cooperation with Ankara, particularly in areas related to defense technology transfer and operational capacity building. The government says such partnerships are part of a broader strategy to modernize the armed forces and enhance national sovereignty in defense capabilities.