Türkiye’s leading drone manufacturer Baykar has completed its acquisition of historic Italian aviation firm Piaggio Aerospace, paving the way for a European production base for its unmanned aerial vehicles and civil jets.
The finalisation of the deal, announced on 1 July by Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, marks the full transfer of Piaggio Aero Industries and Piaggio Aviation—both under extraordinary administration—to Baykar.
Italian Minister Adolfo Urso welcomed the takeover as “a strategic step for the relaunch of one of the historic brands of the Italian aeronautical industry” and noted its impact on wider defence cooperation with Türkiye, including joint projects with Italian aerospace giant Leonardo.
Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar said the company aims to revitalise Piaggio with a future-oriented industrial strategy that also respects its legacy. “We are ready to work alongside Piaggio’s dedicated team to create new opportunities, promote innovation and build a sustainable future,” he said.
Chairman and CTO Selçuk Bayraktar described the acquisition as “an opportunity to give new impetus to Italian aeronautics” and confirmed plans to boost production of the P.180 Avanti EVO jet while turning Piaggio’s facilities into a European hub for Baykar’s flagship combat drones, including the Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci UCAVs.
Baykar intends to preserve Piaggio’s brand identity while expanding its capabilities to meet growing demand in both the civil and military aviation sectors. A core objective of the company’s development plan is to reintroduce the P.180 to global markets with updated technologies and to build a European centre of excellence for aircraft and engine maintenance.
The move comes as Baykar continues to strengthen its international footprint. The company, which began UAV R&D in 2003, generated 83% of its revenue from exports and posted $1.8 billion in export sales in 2023. That figure was matched in 2024, with 90% of revenue coming from international markets.
Baykar has repeatedly ranked among Türkiye’s top 10 exporters across all sectors and has led the country’s defence and aerospace exports since 2021, according to the Turkish Exporters’ Assembly and the Secretariat of Defence Industries.
The firm accounts for a quarter of Türkiye’s total defence and aerospace exports and remains the global leader in UCAV exports, with 35 countries acquiring the Bayraktar TB2 and 15 countries signing deals for the Akinci.
First announced in December 2024, the Piaggio deal complements Baykar’s broader expansion in Italy. The company recently signed cooperation agreements with Leonardo and co-founded a joint venture, LBA Systems, to develop next-generation unmanned systems for European markets.
Ask ChatGPT
Brazil pushed through a compromise climate deal at COP30 in Belém, boosting funding for developing nations but sidestepping any mention of fossil fue...
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that the next key step in resolving the war in Ukraine is a meeting in Geneva, where U.S., Ukrain...
Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport in the southern Netherlands was suspended on Saturday evening after multiple drones were sighted near the facility, p...
A former political leader in Wales has been sentenced to 10-and-a-half years in prison for accepting bribes linked to pro-Russian lobbying activities,...
The French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated the need for a sustainable peace agreement in Ukraine during remarks on the sidelines of the G20 Summi...
Brazil pushed through a compromise climate deal at COP30 in Belém, boosting funding for developing nations but sidestepping any mention of fossil fuels — the very drivers of global warming.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Saturday that the next key step in resolving the war in Ukraine is a meeting in Geneva, where U.S., Ukrainian and European national security advisers will advance the U.S.-led 28-point peace proposal.
Air traffic at Eindhoven Airport in the southern Netherlands was suspended on Saturday evening after multiple drones were sighted near the facility, prompting the deployment of counter-drone systems and raising fresh alarm over airspace security in Europe.
U.S. President Donald Trump described his meeting with New York City's mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, as "very productive" during a brief statement on Friday. The two leaders met in the Oval Office, where Trump emphasized their shared commitment to the future success of the city.
The pilot of an Indian fighter jet performing in the Dubai Air Show has died after the aircraft crashed during an aerial display on Friday.
An Indian Tejas fighter jet crashed in a ball of fire during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow on Friday (November 21), leaving spectators in shock.
The full 28-point framework outlining a proposed settlement between Ukraine and Russia has been published by Axios, but has yet to be officially published. Drafted by the U.S. administration, it says it's built on security guarantees, territorial provisions and long-term economic arrangements.
President Donald Trump said on Friday that he will soon speak with his Venezuelan counterpart, Nicolas Maduro, amid speculation that the U.S. could launch an attack on the Latin American nation.
U.S. President Donald Trump is meeting New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House to discuss housing, food security, and other affordability issues facing the city.
McLaren’s Lando Norris mastered the wet conditions under the lights of Las Vegas to secure pole position for Saturday’s Grand Prix, beating Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a tense and slippery qualifying session that could prove pivotal in the championship race.
The leaders of eight Nordic and Baltic nations held a joint call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, pledging continued military and economic support for Kyiv and reaffirming their commitment to Europe’s collective security amid Russia’s ongoing aggression.
Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro was taken into custody on Saturday after a Supreme Court justice cited an escape risk linked to a planned supporters’ vigil and evidence of tampering with his electronic ankle monitor, ending months of house arrest as he appeals his coup-plot conviction.
Several international airlines have suspended flights from Venezuela after the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) warned of heightened military activity and deteriorating security conditions in the country’s airspace.
Liverpool’s troubled defence of their Premier League title took another hit on Saturday as Arne Slot’s side suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, leaving the Reds languishing in 11th place and sparking anger among home supporters.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment