PKK’s Drone Attacks within the Perspective of Learning Organisation and Türkiye’s Counter Reaction

Abstract

PKK’s methods used in its terrorist attacks targeting Türkiye have been observed to transform over time. This transformation is influenced by other actors with whom it interacts in its environment and adopts their forms of action. When this interaction is considered from a theoretical perspective, it would be correct to describe the PKK as a “learning organisation”. One of the concrete examples of the reflection of the interaction with different actors on the PKK is the organisation’s tendency to use drones, largely influenced by ISIS. Records show that drones played an important role in the actions carried out by the organisation. On the other hand, the PKK’s start of drone-based actions has resulted in Türkiye increasing its investments in anti-drone systems and using such solutions extensively. The current trend shows that Türkiye has developed and, in parallel with the dynamic structure of the threat, is going to place emphasis on hybrid solutions in the coming period.