Latest news with #SelçukBayraktar
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Italy's Leonardo and Turkey's Baykar team up on combat drones
Italian defence company Leonardo and Turkey's drone specialist Baykar have agreed to cooperate on the development of combat drones in Italy, the companies announced on Thursday. After several months of negotiations, the two companies signed an agreement to establish a joint venture for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) to supply the market in Europe. Leonardo's chief executive Roberto Cingolani estimated the European market for unmanned fighters, armed surveillance drones and deep strike drones to reach $100 billion over the next decade. Leonardo is also involved in the development of the European drone Eurodrone alongside Airbus and Dassault. The Turkish Baykar group is already one of the largest drone manufacturers worldwide. The group's chief executive Selçuk Bayraktar is a son-in-law of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Baykar aims to benefit from Leonardo's expertise in mission systems, payloads and certification, the company said, while expanding their worldwide presence. Last year, Baykar started building a factory near Kiev to produce either its TB2 or TB3 drone models. Ukrainian forces actively used the TB2s against the Russian invasion. Meanwhile, Leonardo has already established a joint venture with Germany's largest arms manufacturer, Rheinmetall, to produce tanks specialist bridge-laying vehicles.
Ya Biladi
05-02-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco receives a batch of Turkish Akinci drones
The Royal Armed Forces have taken delivery of their first batch of Akinci drones, produced by the Turkish manufacturer Baykar. According to the FAR Maroc Forum, these advanced drones are expected to be operational shortly. The Akinci drone represents a significant leap in military technology, particularly within Turkish defense innovations. This unmanned aerial vehicle boasts a 24-hour flight endurance and a range of 6,000 kilometers, with the capability to carry up to 1,500 kg of weaponry. This acquisition underscores the growing collaboration between the Royal Air Forces and Baykar. The Turkish company plans to establish a military-industrial unit in the Benslimane region, dedicated to assembling and manufacturing a special type of drone not yet available, as reported by the same source. Baykar's president, Selçuk Bayraktar, who is also the son-in-law of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, attended the 2024 Marrakech Air Show from October 30 to November 2. During the event, he showcased the Bayraktar TB3 drone and engaged in discussions with Morocco's Minister of Industry and Trade, Ryad Mezzour. Since September 2021, the FAR have maintained a fleet of Bayraktar TB2 drones. Additionally, the Turkish defense firm Aselsan has expressed interest in entering the Moroccan market, further indicating the strengthening ties between Turkish defense companies and Morocco.
Ya Biladi
30-01-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Turkish defense company Baykar sets up drone factory in Morocco
Baykar, Turkey's premier drone manufacturer, has inaugurated a factory in Morocco, marking a new chapter in the growing partnership between the two nations. This milestone was officially confirmed by the Official Gazette n°5857 on January 29, 2025. The newly established Moroccan subsidiary, named «Atlas Defence», is based in Rabat and boasts a capital of 2.5 million dirhams. The company's operations will encompass the design, production, and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), along with the manufacture of spare parts and technological systems for the defense sector. Ownership of the company is shared between Lutfu Haluk Bayraktar and Selçuk Bayraktar, the latter being the son-in-law of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan since 2016. The company was officially registered with the Moroccan Trade Registry on December 5, 2024. This establishment represents the fruition of a long-standing cooperation between Turkey and Morocco. Back in September 2021, Morocco received its first batch of Bayraktar TB2 drones, followed by another delivery in August 2024, as announced by Baykar on social media. These drones have played a crucial role in countering attacks by Polisario militias in the buffer zone east of the Wall of Sands in the Sahara. A Military industry in the making The Royal Armed Forces (FAR) also revealed via Facebook that they would acquire Akıncı drones, another Baykar product, during 2025. Moroccan military personnel have been undergoing training in Turkey since 2021, further solidifying the defense ties between the two nations. Morocco is keen on advancing its military industry, particularly in drone production, as highlighted by Minister Delegate for Defense Abdellatif Loudiyi in November 2023. Besides Baykar, Morocco has partnered with Israeli firm BlueBird Aero Systems to establish a factory. Although construction began in April 2024, progress has been hampered by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The drones manufactured are intended for both domestic use and export across Africa. This dual collaboration with Turkey and Israel positions Morocco to enhance its defense capabilities and achieve greater technological autonomy.
Ya Biladi
26-01-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Turkish defense firm Aselsan targets Moroccan market
The Turkish ambassador in Rabat has announced on X the upcoming visit of a significant delegation from Aselsan, a company renowned for its production of communication systems and electronic defense. The diplomat has remained tight-lipped regarding the specific objectives of this Turkish mission to Morocco. In a related development, the defense-focused site Tactical Report disclosed in August 2022 that «Morocco would be in talks with the Turkish defense company Aselsan for the acquisition of a next-generation combat management system (CMS)». This system is anticipated to play a crucial role in helping Rabat reorganize its coastal defense capabilities. Since September 2021, the Royal Armed Forces have been equipped with a fleet of Bayraktar TB2 drones, manufactured by the Turkish company Baykar. These drones have demonstrated their effectiveness in operations against the Polisario. Looking ahead, the Moroccan military plans to acquire the Akinci model, a high-altitude unmanned aircraft also produced by Baykar. The company is led by Selçuk Bayraktar, who is notably the son-in-law of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
