Conflict Armament Research (CAR), an organization dedicated to tracking the origins of weapons and weapon components used in war, has found evidence of European Union-manufactured components being used in missiles fired by Turkish drones in North and East Syria.
The organization stated that after analyzing the remnants of 17 air-to-surface missile remnants found in North and East Syria, they were confirmed as being fired by Turkish UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) when they were found to be part of the MAM series made in Turkey. While this series of missile has been exported to numerous countries, including Ukraine, Ethiopia, and Qatar, among others, only Turkey is known to operate in North and East Syria airspace. Through the investigation, it was discovered that electromagnetic brakes manufactured in the European Union and exported to Turkey with the intention of being used in medical vehicles were repurposed for use in the missile’s steering mechanism in order to improve their accuracy.
The manufacturer of the brakes confirmed to CAR following the investigation that they would no longer continue their relationship with the company involved in this transfer of technology.
Turkish drones have made global headlines in recent years due to their extensive use in conflict zones around the world. North and East Syria has been targeted hundreds of times by Turkish military and intelligence drone strikes, which have hit civilian and military targets, and directly contributed to the destabilization of the fight against ISIS and the humanitarian situation in the region.
The report can be read in full at the link below: