Baykar - News

[dBSPL]

I remember that Piaggio was in the hands of a UAE fund for a while. The fact that the company could not stand up on the aircraft side suggests that the problem is not only on the financing side, but also in project development and business model. Even earlier around 2000s, if my memory serves me correctly, it was an aviation company that attracted the interest of a few Turkish business people. The fact that the company is finally in experts' hands is a good development both for the Italians and for the Turkish-Italian industrial cooperation, and I wish it all the best.

In terms of Baykar, I think that especially the engine side will make a serious contribution to the company's operations, because they now have a subsidiary that produces aviation engine parts with a ready workforce, machine tools and even an orderbook. Ironically, Baykar is also becoming one of the JSF F-35 engine sub-parts suppliers through its subsidiary. lol.

But more importantly, I think this acquisition may also point to something else. The cooperation between the Italian MoD and Baykar.They spent significant resources on the development of the P.1HH as a multi-role/MPA UAV on Piaggio's well-known Avanti platform. If my memory serves me correctly, this system was one of the promising UAV programs of the Italians, but somehow the project failed to make concrete progress. Baykar can pick up this project incredibly quickly.

This would pave the way for the supply of Baykar(Bayraktar) systems to the Italian armed forces through its subsidiary Piaggio's P.1HH airframe. It is even possible that if Italy considers the TB-3, this will also be supplied through Piaggio. In addition to Italy, other EU countries will also have the option of an aviation company that has been handed over to Baykar's expertise.

 

[Saithan]

I have to point out that any involvement in F35 and production most likely will require US acceptance. As such I Imagine that what Baykar is buying is likely, as pointed out, the old stuff, knowhow and likely some production machinery that will enable Baykar to reach further independence from Turkish state. As someone pointed out once before Baykar is scared shitless in case AKP loses power and new government hostile takes the rudder.

 

[dBSPL]

I have to point out that any involvement in F35 and production most likely will require US acceptance. As such I Imagine that what Baykar is buying is likely, as pointed out, the old stuff, knowhow and likely some production machinery that will enable Baykar to reach further independence from Turkish state. As someone pointed out once before Baykar is scared shitless in case AKP loses power and new government hostile takes the rudder.

Piaggio's existing facilities are a drop in the bucket compared to Baykar's current/ongoing domestic facility investments and machinery park. Especially after 2020, Baykar has started to increase its capacity exponentially and is not slowing down in new employment. They are aiming to achieve another acceleration with Fergani space systems from 2026 onwards. Baykar clearly has the goal of becoming an aerospace giant. For this, it needs to expand some of its operations to foreign markets, and in line with this goal, it will continue its acquisitions as it sees opportunities like bargain buy abroad. Just like GE, Boeing etc...

 

[dBSPL]

Unfortunately, Turkish social media still cannot fully grasp the new 'situation'. The most accurate short analysis I have seen about this news came from Kubilay Yıldırım (HDS).

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1872650306892476836

"Baykar is thus taking a step towards becoming a Europe-based and global manufacturer. With its Italian location, it can enter both EDF-funded EU defense tenders and joint European projects."

"This acquisition has been interpreted as acquiring the company's P-180 and “technology”, but I don't think this was the purpose. In fact, Baykar has acquired the brand and the engineering/production capacity that could not find its place in Italy."

"Baykar invests the money it earns in its business. It is both diversifying (Fergani, Cezeri, Biosys, etc.) and expanding its existing business. Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, PG Fergani may be an entry point for the EU/ESA space programs. Although the EU may not realize it, we actually share similar fates. Baykar does not act like a Turkish businessman."