Turkey’s Baykar acquires Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace
In strategic EU expansion plan
Turkish technology firm Baykar has secured approval from the Italian government to acquire Piaggio Aerospace, a renowned Italian aviation manufacturer. The Turkish company says the acquisition will boost its presence in the European Union and mark a new era for the long-established aerospace giant.
Baykar’s offer outbid two other contenders for the acquisition, although the financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed. The deal will strengthen Baykar’s uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) production capabilities and expand its footprint in European markets.
Italy’s Industry Minister Adolfo Urso hailed the deal as a step towards revitalising Piaggio Aerospace, noting that the company’s relaunch is ensured by “a clear and ambitious industrial vision.”
He added that after six years of uncertainty, the sale provides Piaggio with a promising future, safeguarding its workforce and production facilities while ensuring long-term sustainability. Urso described the company as “a strategic asset for our country,” underscoring its importance to Italy’s aerospace industry.
Piaggio Aerospace, founded in 1884, is a significant player in the aviation sector. It specialises in designing, developing, manufacturing, and maintaining aircraft, UAVs, and engines. Among its key innovations are the P.1HH HammerHead and P.180 Avanti unmanned aerial systems, which align closely with Baykar’s expertise in UAV technology.
The acquisition represents a strategic synergy for Baykar, which has gained prominence globally for its cutting-edge UAV designs. Piaggio’s expertise in maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services will further complement Baykar’s expanding portfolio, positioning both companies to capture the growing demand for UAVs and aviation services in the coming years.
In late 2024, Piaggio Aerospace delivered three P. 180 Avanti EVO+ to the Italian Air Force. The iconic 9-seater aircraft was designed and assembled by Piaggio Aerospace in its facilities in Villanova d’Albenga and Genoa.
The three aircraft, which will be assigned to the Air Transport Training School (S.A.T.A.) of the Italian Air Force in Pratica di Mare (Rome), are the first of the 15 brand-new P.180 Avanti EVO+ currently ordered and contracted by the Italian Armed Forces as part of a fleet modernisation programme. The initiative also includes retrofitting some additional aircraft already in service. Piaggio Aerospace expects to deliver one more new aircraft and a retrofitted one by February 2025.
The new and modernised aircraft feature an original configuration engineered and certified by Piaggio Aerospace based on the latest aviation technology. Innovations include renovated avionics and new landing gears fitted with state-of-the-art antiskid, braking, and steering systems.
Hero image: The P.1HH HammerHead unmanned aerial system is a key innovation of Piaggio Aerospace. Credit: Piaggio Aerospace
