ROME — Baykar, a Turkish drone producer, has purchased Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace, highlighting its international expansion plans. Italy’s industry ministry confirmed the deal on Friday, marking a new chapter for Piaggio after years of uncertainty. Piaggio had been under state management since 2018, when it entered receivership after financial struggles mounted.
Founded in 1884, Piaggio remains one of the oldest aviation companies, carrying a long history in aircraft innovation. The firm is best known for the P.180 business turboprop, a distinctive twin-engine aircraft with forward-swept wings. In recent years, Piaggio has also taken on helicopter maintenance work for the Italian army.
The Italian industry ministry noted in a statement that they chose Baykar over two other bidders. The specific offer amount was not disclosed, but it was said to be “the most suitable to protect the interests of Piaggio Aerospace’s workers and creditors” and to “revive the group’s industrial future.” Industry minister Adolfo Urso stated that this deal “ensures the company’s relaunch with a clear and ambitious industrial vision.”
He mentioned, “After six years, we are providing a future for Piaggio Aerospace, which is essential for our country.” This acquisition brings an Italian aspect to Baykar, which has gained attention in the UAV industry since its TB2 drone was reportedly effective for the Ukrainian military post-Russia’s 2022 invasion.
In a message on X, Baykar’s CEO Haluk Bayraktar stated, “We will strive to maintain the historic identity of Piaggio, enhance its production capacity, and aid in job growth in Italy, merging innovation with respect for its heritage.”
Conclusion
Selecting a Turkish buyer for an Italian aviation firm shows a major shift in Europe’s aerospace balance. Baykar has pledged to protect Italian jobs, easing concerns about local employment and industrial continuity. Italy has long enjoyed strength in aviation, making this sale a striking sign of change in the sector.
The deal highlights Baykar’s rapid rise as a global leader in advanced drone manufacturing and exports. For Piaggio, the sale reflects its decline after an ambitious unmanned project failed and nearly destroyed the company.
In 2014, Mubadala Development Company, based in Abu Dhabi, took over Piaggio and planned to create an unmanned version of the P.180 for the UAE. However, the UAE insisted on an initial purchase by Italy, which Italy accepted. When Italy postponed its order, the UAE cancelled its planned purchase, leading Piaggio to receivership in 2018.
References
- Reuters—Baykar buys Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace
🔗 https://shorturl.at/boAK5 - Defense News—Italy sells Piaggio Aerospace to Baykar
🔗 https://shorturl.at/hxEZ2 - Türkiye Today – Baykar’s acquisition of Piaggio: A strategic leap
🔗 https://shorturl.at/fptM3 - Aviation International News – Baykar promises growth after Piaggio deal
🔗 https://shorturl.at/dgzR2
