Latest news with #Baykar


Arab News
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Kuwait incorporates Bayraktar TB2 combat drone into armed forces
LONDON: Kuwaiti armed forces incorporated the Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drone into their air combat fleet during a ceremony at Salem Al-Sabah Air Base on Thursday. Minister of Defense Sheikh Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Sabah was joined by Major General Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, deputy chief of staff of the Kuwaiti Army, Brig. Gen. Mohammad Al-Hamdan, the Air Force commander, as well as the commander of the Salem Al-Sabah Air Base and several air force officers. In 2023, Kuwait signed a $367-million contract with Turkish defense firm Baykar to purchase its TB2 drones, which have been used in conflicts in Ukraine, Syria, Libya and Azerbaijan. Sheikh Abdullah said that integrating drones aligned with Kuwait's leadership vision to enhance military readiness and adopt cutting-edge defense technologies, according to the Kuwait News Agency. The ceremony featured a comprehensive technical presentation showcasing TB2 drone's surveillance, reconnaissance and air-support capabilities. In February, pilots and shooters from the Kuwaiti air force trained and tested the Bayraktar TB2 at the Baykar company training center in the Kisah region of Turkiye. The defense minister emphasized the need to invest in local expertise and train personnel to operate advanced systems for protecting Kuwait's airspace, borders and resources. The incorporation of TB2 marked a significant step in Kuwait's defense modernization efforts, he added.


Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Trendyol Group, Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar, ADQ and Ant International form strategic partnership
Dubai: Trendyol Group; Türkiye's leading e-commerce platform, Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Baykar, the world's largest unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer, ADQ, an active sovereign investor focused on critical infrastructure and global supply chains; and Ant International, a leading global digital payments and financial technology provider today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore the formation of a strategic venture aimed at developing a next-generation fintech platform for the Turkish market. Following approval from the relevant regulatory authorities, this strategic partnership will enable the development of a platform that provides a comprehensive range of integrated financial services, including digital payments, retail and SME loans, deposits, investment products, and insurance. Powered by the world-class AI, e-commerce, and fintech expertise of the partners, the new venture aims to enhance the efficiency of financial transactions for individuals and small businesses across Türkiye, both within and beyond the Trendyol ecosystem. Trendyol Group President, Çağlayan Çetin stated: 'We believe this unique alliance will accelerate Türkiye's digital transformation and set an exemplary model for technology-driven financial solutions. Our ambitions are simple: we want to make financial services more accessible initially to our 250,000 SMEs to support their e-commerce and e-export potential with our strong data-analysis capabilities, and to continue contributing sustainably and significantly to our country's economic growth.' Haluk Bayraktar, Baykar CEO, emphasized that, by becoming a stakeholder in this strategic collaboration, they aim to create added value in the financial technologies ecosystem of Turkiye by combining Baykar's world-class AI and cybersecurity capabilities with Trendyol's expertise in e-commerce and Ant's world-class know-how in fintech. Bayraktar also noted: 'Through this partnership, we are combining Baykar's AI solutions and robust infrastructure with Trendyol's extensive user base and fintech experience. With a focus on high standards in risk management and security, we will build a fully domestic fintech infrastructure'. Michael Evans, President of Alibaba Group, added: 'This strategic partnership, which reflects our confidence in Türkiye, will bring a valuable investment and an innovative fintech platform to the country. We believe that smart, accessible digital financial services offered to individual and corporate customers in Türkiye will not only improve daily life, but also contribute significantly to the sustainable growth of Türkiye's economy and the development of its financial ecosystem.' Mansour AlMulla, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said: 'Türkiye's dynamic economy and growing digital landscape continue to present promising opportunities across sectors. This proposed collaboration brings together strong partners with complementary capabilities, reflecting shared interest in advancing innovative financial solutions that support the country's broader digital transformation'. Yi Zhou, Ant International CFO, said: 'Türkiye, with its young and digitally focused population and advanced e-commerce marketplace, holds a valuable place in the global digital ecosystem. We are excited to work with like-minded partners and develop inclusive digital financial solutions for this vibrant digital economy with our cutting-edge technologies, including AI and blockchain'. About Trendyol Group Founded in 2010, Trendyol is Türkiye's leading e-commerce platform and one of the most prominent players in the global market. Through its applications available in Türkiye, Germany, Azerbaijan, the Gulf countries, Romania, Czechia, Slovakia, Poland, Hungary, Bulgaria and Greece, Trendyol connects 250,000 sellers with over 40 million customers. About Baykar Baykar is a leading company in the development of unmanned systems and high technology on a global scale. As of 2025, it has established a strong presence in international markets through exports to 36 countries. Its high-performance AI-driven autonomous technologies significantly enhance operational efficiency and deliver an exceptional user experience. The company continues to push the boundaries of technology and innovation with its nationally developed and proprietary solutions, while contributing to global digital transformation through its pioneering vision and commitment to research and development. About ADQ Established in 2018, ADQ is an active sovereign investor with a focus on critical infrastructure and global supply chains. As a strategic partner to the Government of Abu Dhabi, ADQ invests in the growth of business platforms anchored in the Emirate that deliver value to local communities and long-term financial returns to its shareholder. ADQ's total assets amounted to USD 251 billion as of 31 December 2024. Its rapidly expanding portfolio encompasses companies across numerous core sectors of the economy, including energy and utilities, transport and logistics, food and agriculture, healthcare and life sciences, financial services, infrastructure and critical minerals, real estate investments, and sustainable manufacturing. About Ant International With headquarters in Singapore and main operations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America, Ant International is a leading global provider of digital payments, digitisation, and financial technology. Through collaboration with both the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes in achieving inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions.


Zawya
6 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Trendyol, Baykar CEO, ADQ and Ant International to develop fintech platform in Turkey
ANKARA: Turkey's Trendyol Group, Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar, Abu Dhabi's sovereign fund ADQ and Ant International have agreed to explore a potential joint fintech venture offering digital financial services in Turkey, the companies said on Wednesday. The four parties signed a memorandum of understanding to form a platform that would provide services including digital payments, loans, deposits, investments and insurance. The launch would be subject to regulatory approvals. The companies said the platform would target individuals and small businesses, with a particular focus on Trendyol's network of sellers. "The project aims to combine Trendyol's e-commerce infrastructure, Baykar's AI and cybersecurity tools and Ant's experience in financial technology," a statement said. Bayraktar, best known for leading Turkey's top drone manufacturer, said the initiative would rely on domestic infrastructure and aim for high security standards. Alibaba Group President Michael Evans, representing Trendyol's main investor, said the partnership reflected interest in Turkey's digital economy while ADQ's deputy CEO, Mansour AlMulla, cited the country's growth potential in the sector. Ant International said Turkey's large and digitally active population made it a significant market. The companies did not disclose an expected investment size. (Reporting by Ebru Tuncay in Ankara, Writing by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Matthew Lewis)


The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Trendyol, Baykar CEO, ADQ and Ant International to develop fintech platform in Turkey
FILE PHOTO: Haluk Bayraktar, CEO of Turkish drone-maker Baykar, poses before an interview with Reuters at SAHA EXPO Defence & Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul, Turkey, October 27, 2022. REUTERS/Umit Bektas/File Photo ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkey's Trendyol Group, Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar, Abu Dhabi's sovereign fund ADQ and Ant International have agreed to explore a potential joint fintech venture offering digital financial services in Turkey, the companies said on Wednesday. The four parties signed a memorandum of understanding to form a platform that would provide services including digital payments, loans, deposits, investments and insurance. The launch would be subject to regulatory approvals. The companies said the platform would target individuals and small businesses, with a particular focus on Trendyol's network of sellers. "The project aims to combine Trendyol's e-commerce infrastructure, Baykar's AI and cybersecurity tools and Ant's experience in financial technology," a statement said. Bayraktar, best known for leading Turkey's top drone manufacturer, said the initiative would rely on domestic infrastructure and aim for high security standards. Alibaba Group President Michael Evans, representing Trendyol's main investor, said the partnership reflected interest in Turkey's digital economy while ADQ's deputy CEO, Mansour AlMulla, cited the country's growth potential in the sector. Ant International said Turkey's large and digitally active population made it a significant market. The companies did not disclose an expected investment size. (Reporting by Ebru Tuncay in Ankara, Writing by Ece Toksabay; Editing by Matthew Lewis)


CNA
6 days ago
- Business
- CNA
Trendyol, Baykar CEO, ADQ and Ant International to develop fintech platform in Turkey
ANKARA :Turkey's Trendyol Group, Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar, Abu Dhabi's sovereign fund ADQ and Ant International have agreed to explore a potential joint fintech venture offering digital financial services in Turkey, the companies said on Wednesday. The four parties signed a memorandum of understanding to form a platform that would provide services including digital payments, loans, deposits, investments and insurance. The launch would be subject to regulatory approvals. The companies said the platform would target individuals and small businesses, with a particular focus on Trendyol's network of sellers. "The project aims to combine Trendyol's e-commerce infrastructure, Baykar's AI and cybersecurity tools and Ant's experience in financial technology," a statement said. Bayraktar, best known for leading Turkey's top drone manufacturer, said the initiative would rely on domestic infrastructure and aim for high security standards. Alibaba Group President Michael Evans, representing Trendyol's main investor, said the partnership reflected interest in Turkey's digital economy while ADQ's deputy CEO, Mansour AlMulla, cited the country's growth potential in the sector. Ant International said Turkey's large and digitally active population made it a significant market. The companies did not disclose an expected investment size.