18.05.2026 06:30
The Greek press brought the cooperation agreement signed between Baykar and the French defense giant Safran to the agenda with harsh headlines. Pentapostagma wrote that French technologies will be integrated into Bayraktar TB2 UAVs, while some Greek media outlets commented on the development with the words "France has betrayed us." Kathimerini, however, stated that the agreement has strengthened Baykar's position in the European defense market and has opened the doors of Europe even wider for the company.
Greek-based newspaper Pentapostagma reported that the cooperation agreement signed between Baykar and French defense giant Safran has caused great discomfort in Athens. The report emphasized that Baykar is rapidly increasing its influence in the European defense industry, noting that French technologies will be integrated into Bayraktar TB2 UAVs.
HEADLINES OF “FRANCE BETRAYED US”
Media outlets based in Athens brought the agreement to the agenda with harsh headlines. While some publications interpreted the development with the words “France betrayed us,” it was stated that the Paris administration's cooperation with the Turkish defense industry created a shock effect on the Greek public.
SAFRAN SYSTEMS WILL BE INTEGRATED INTO BAYRAKTAR TB2
According to the report based on international defense sources, it was stated that the "Euroflir 410" electro-optical system developed by Safran will be used on Bayraktar TB2 UAVs. According to the news from Akşam, it was indicated that the systems will be used for reconnaissance, surveillance, target detection, and target tracking missions, and will be evaluated particularly on TB2 platforms aimed at the export market.
It was stated that within the scope of the agreement, joint work will be carried out in the fields of sensor technologies, navigation systems, and guided munition solutions.
“COOPERATION IS NOT LIMITED TO TB2”
In analyses in the Greek press, it was claimed that the Baykar-Safran partnership is not limited to the Bayraktar TB2. It was alleged that French technologies could be used in the Bayraktar Akıncı and Kızılelma platforms in the coming period. The report also reminded that Ukrainian engines are used in the Kızılelma unmanned combat aircraft.
REACTION FROM ATHENS TO PARIS
Pentapostagma's analysis noted that the agreement comes immediately after the renewed defense cooperation agreement between Greece and France. The report recalled French President Emmanuel Macron's previous statements that "France will stand by Greece when necessary," stating that the Paris administration's cooperation with the Turkish defense industry at the same time is found "contradictory" in Athens. The Greek publication argued that the Athens administration should take diplomatic initiatives with Paris to demand the cancellation or suspension of the agreement.
KATHIMERINI: EUROPE’S DOORS OPENED TO BAYKAR
Kathimerini, one of Greece's leading newspapers, also featured the agreement on its front page. In the newspaper's analysis, it was stated that Baykar has significantly strengthened its position in the European defense market, and the cooperation was assessed as opening the doors of Europe wider for the company.