Turkey has taken a major step toward expanding its presence in the European defense industry and market. Baykar, the Turkish company known for its TB2 Bayraktar and Akinci drones, acquired the Italian aircraft manufacturer Piaggio Aerospace on June 30, 2025. This marks a significant milestone in Turkey’s growing aerospace ambitions and signals deepening ties between Italy and Turkey in defense and military equipment sectors in recent years.
Italian Minister of Enterprises, Adolfo Urso, described the acquisition as ‘a strategic move to restart one of the historic brands of Italian aviation with a significant international investor, whose industrial plan opens up even greater market opportunities in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles, thus enhancing the competitiveness of the Italian and European aerospace industry.’
Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar stated that the goal is to revitalize Piaggio Aerospace, an iconic 140-year-old Italian aviation giant, through an ambitious industrial vision capable of strengthening its legacy while fully developing its future capabilities.
“We have great respect for the people who, with skill and determination, kept the company alive even in the most difficult times, and we are ready to work with them to create new opportunities, promote innovation, and build a stable and sustainable future,” he added.
Selçuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s President and CTO—and also Erdogan’s son-in-law—emphasized that it is a great honor to take responsibility for the future of Piaggio Aerospace, a symbol of Italian innovation and excellence. He noted that the aim is to rejuvenate this historic brand by investing in its expertise in civil aviation, increasing production of the P.180 Avanti EVO, and reinforcing its role as a center of excellence for aircraft and engine maintenance in Europe.
The main objectives of the development plan include the re-introduction of the legendary P.180 Avanti EVO aircraft into the global market with updated technological capabilities, meeting global demand for Baykar’s Bayraktar Akinci and TB2 UCAVs through production at Piaggio facilities, and establishing a European center of excellence for aircraft and engine maintenance.
According to Anadolu Agency, since the start of UAV R&D in 2003, 83% of Baykar’s revenues have come from exports, generating $1.8 billion in profits in 2023, and placing it among the top ten companies with the highest exports across all sectors in Turkey.