Turkish defence firm Baykar is set to begin manufacturing its advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the Bayraktar TB2 and AKINCI, in Italy, following the official completion of its acquisition of two Piaggio Aerospace business units: Piaggio Aero Industries and Piaggio Aviation.

This development was announced on social media by Defence Turk, per Caliber.Az.

🔵🇹🇷AKINCI ve Bayraktar TB2 🇮🇹İtalya'da üretilecek

🔸AKINCI TİHA ve Bayraktar TB2 SİHA’lara yönelik küresel pazar talebinin karşılanması için Piaggio tesislerinde üretim yapılması ve uçak ile motor bakımında Avrupa çapında bir mükemmeliyet merkezi kurulması hedefleniyor.

The statement emphasised, “Production of AKINCI and TB2 UAVs, among the most sophisticated unmanned aerial vehicles currently in operation, will be conducted at Piaggio Aerospace’s facilities to meet anticipated future market demand.”

Additionally, Baykar disclosed plans to return the iconic P.180 Avanti EVO aircraft, originally developed by Piaggio, to active service. While Baykar’s leadership had hinted at the plan to produce UAVs at Piaggio back in March, this recent statement represents the first official confirmation.

The handover ceremony was attended by notable figures, including Italian Minister of Enterprise and Made in Italy Adolfo Urso, Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar, Baykar Chairman and Technical Director Selçuk Bayraktar, and Piaggio Aerospace Emergency Commissioners Carmelo Cosentino, Vincenzo Nicastro, and Gianpaolo Davide Rossetti.

Minister Urso described the acquisition as a significant industrial milestone, highlighting the opportunity to enhance Italy’s position in the unmanned aviation sector through strategic cooperation between Baykar and Italian aerospace giant Leonardo.

Urso framed the deal as a means to rejuvenate the historic aerospace company and integrate it into the larger framework of European defence industry development. He also pointed to the partnership between Baykar and Leonardo, formalised via the joint venture LBA Systems.

This new entity, equally owned by Baykar and Leonardo and based in Italy, represents a key component of Baykar’s wider industrial collaboration with Italy, which began with their joint UAV development efforts.

Baykar’s strategic aim is to stabilise Piaggio Aerospace and support its growth by implementing a comprehensive industrial development plan. This plan includes reviving the legendary P.180 Avanti EVO aircraft with modernised technology and establishing production lines at Piaggio’s facilities.

Moreover, the plan envisions the creation of a European centre of excellence dedicated to aircraft and engine maintenance, designed to satisfy global demand for Baykar’s Bayraktar AKINCI and Bayraktar TB2 UAVs.

Through these initiatives, Baykar intends to preserve Piaggio Aerospace’s historical legacy while further solidifying the company’s crucial role within Europe’s industrial ecosystem.

By Tamilla Hasanova

Source: caliber.az