Italy is discussing Baykar's move.

As the world's largest UAV manufacturer, Baykar, which has broken export records with its UAVs such as TB2 and Akıncı, has acquired the Italian aviation giant Piaggio Aerospace. Founded in 1884 and known as the "Ferrari of the sky," the company is recognized for producing P.180 Avanti business jets and aircraft engines.

"TURNING POINT"

The sale, approved by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, has also resonated widely in the Italian press. One of Italy's leading newspapers, La Repubblica, gave extensive coverage to the sale transaction, describing it as a "turning point" for the Italian company. The newspaper highlighted Italian Minister Adolfo Urso's comment that "The company is guaranteed to resume operations with a clear and ambitious industrial vision" and emphasized the positive reactions in the Italian business world. Prominent business figures from Genoa, where the Italian firm is located, praised Baykar, stating that this acquisition would revive the Italian aviation giant and create employment.

BUSINESS WORLD SATISFIED WITH THE SALE

Italian unionist Stefano Bonazzi stated to La Repubblica, "Baykar is definitely a large group, and we expect it to offer significant opportunities for the two facilities in Liguria where Piaggio Aerospace operates." Regional council member Alessio Piana commented on the acquisition, saying, "This will finally provide an opportunity to restart a company with a unique skill set and heritage of knowledge."

"EUROPE IS FAR BEHIND IN THE UAV AND DRONE MARKET"

One of Italy's most famous newspapers, Corriere della Sera, also published extensive coverage regarding the acquisition. The newspaper expressed hope that Piaggio Aerospace, which has recently exhibited poor management, could rise again under Baykar's leadership. The report emphasized that Baykar's financial situation is very strong and highlighted the Turkish giant's export successes. It was noted that Baykar's investment in Italy carries geopolitical weight, while the article also pointed out that Italy and Europe are lagging far behind in UAV and drone production.

TURKEY DOMINATES 65% OF THE UAV MARKET

In 2023, Baykar ranked among the top 10 companies with the highest exports in all sectors in Turkey, achieving $1.8 billion in exports. According to a report by the U.S.-based think tank CNAS (Center for a New American Security), Turkey dominates 65% of the global UAV export market. Baykar, which is three times larger than its nearest American competitor, holds approximately 60% of this market alone. In recent years, Baykar has generated more than 90% of its revenue from exports, exporting Bayraktar TB2 UAVs and Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA to a total of 35 countries.