Baykar Launches European Drone Hub in Italy with TB2 and Akinci Production After Acquiring Piaggio Aerospace

In a landmark move that signals deeper cooperation between Turkey and Europe in the defense sector, Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has officially completed the acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace, setting the stage for local production of its widely known Bayraktar TB2 and Akinci unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in Italy.

The formal transfer took place on June 30, 2025, under the supervision of the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy and with the approval of Italy’s Prime Minister’s Office. This approval was granted under Italy’s “golden power” regulation, which protects strategic national industries from foreign influence unless proven beneficial. With the acquisition, Baykar now owns Piaggio’s two key facilities located in Villanova d’Albenga and Genoa, which will now become production and support hubs for UAV systems intended for European markets.

Baykar’s integration into Italy’s industrial base represents more than just a geographic expansion. It signifies the emergence of Italy as a drone manufacturing and maintenance center in Europe, driven by a new joint venture between Baykar and Italian aerospace giant Leonardo called LBA Systems. This 50-50 joint company will design, build, and maintain UAVs for European and international clients, in a global market projected to exceed $100 billion over the next decade.

What’s Being Produced: TB2 and Akinci UAVs

Baykar’s production at the former Piaggio sites will focus on two of its most renowned UAV platforms:

Bayraktar TB2

• Category: Medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV)

• Max Takeoff Weight: 700 kg

• Payload Capacity: 150 kg

• Endurance: Up to 27 hours

• Features:

  • Laser-guided munitions such as MAM-C, MAM-L, and BOZOK

  • Autonomous capabilities: taxiing, takeoff, landing, and flight

  • Electro-optical systems: Aselsan CATS, previously Wescam MX-15D

  • Engine: Indigenous TEI-PD170, replacing earlier Austrian Rotax engines due to export controls

The TB2 has been widely used in conflicts across Syria, Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine, gaining a reputation for its affordability, precision strike ability, and real-time surveillance.

Bayraktar Akinci

• Category: High-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UCAV

• Max Takeoff Weight: 5.5 tonnes

• Payload Capacity: 1,350 kg

• Engine Options: Twin turboprops (450–850 hp each)

• Weapons and Capabilities:

  • NEB-84 bunker-buster bombs, SOM cruise missiles, and laser-guided bombs

  • AESA radar (MURAD), synthetic aperture radar (SAR), EW/ELINT systems

  • Satellite communication, advanced AI-supported mission systems

The Akinci is already in service with the Turkish Armed Forces and several export customers and has been deployed in various military operations and humanitarian missions.

The Broader Industrial Strategy

Baykar plans not only to produce drones but also to maintain and support aircraft at Piaggio's former facilities. The legendary P.180 Avanti EVO, a twin-pusher executive aircraft, will continue production alongside drones. A maintenance center for engines and aircraft will also be established, in coordination with the Italian Ministry of Defence.

Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar emphasized that existing employment at Piaggio will be preserved and expanded as demand for production and support increases. The goal is to transform the acquired facilities into a European center for UAV production, export, training, and certification, aligning with NATO and EU standards.

Leonardo, with its expertise in aerospace components, mission systems, and certification, will support development through its sites in Turin, Rome, Nerviano, Grottaglie, and Ronchi dei Legionari. The partnership will also target advanced technology domains, including AI, cybersecurity, and integration into sixth-generation fighter systems.

A New Chapter for Piaggio Aerospace

Founded in 1884, Piaggio has a storied history in both aviation and motor vehicles. Despite restructuring and multiple ownership changes—including Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala, Tata Group, and Piero Ferrari—the company struggled financially and was declared insolvent in 2018. Thanks to extraordinary administration, Piaggio continued operating without state bailouts and reached revenues of €152 million in 2022. The acquisition by Baykar marks a revival of its aviation legacy under a new strategic purpose.

Strengthening Europe-Türkiye Defense Ties

Baykar’s expansion into Italy represents more than just business. It forms part of a growing partnership between Italy and Türkiye in defense and aerospace sectors. This cooperation may influence European drone policies and defense integration strategies, especially with Baykar already exporting drones to EU countries like Poland and Romania.

By producing TB2 and Akinci UAVs in Europe, Baykar not only gains better access to European markets but also strengthens its reputation as a global UAV leader. For Italy, the acquisition revives a legacy aerospace company while embedding it into the future of autonomous military technology.

This collaboration sets a model for future defense-industrial partnerships in Europe, where national capability, allied cooperation, and technological advancement converge to meet modern security challenges.