Turkish defense companies are targeting growth in Latin America, highlighted by their strong showing at the LAAD exhibition in Rio. Twenty-four firms, including major players like Aselsan, FNSS, and Otokar, presented a range of military technologies. Kale Jet Motorları secured a contract with Brazil’s SIATT for its KTJ-3200 turbojet engine. Additionally, TUSAŞ and Embraer signed a memorandum of understanding to explore joint industrial efforts. The moves signal Türkiye’s strategic push to deepen defense ties in the region. Original news
Category: Turkey
Germany Blocks UK-Turkey Eurofighter Deal Amid Political Tensions
Germany has vetoed a British plan to sell Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, citing political concerns after the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor. The move by Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s outgoing government has created friction with the UK, which supports the deal. Berlin emphasized that arms exports must align with foreign and security policy considerations. The episode underscores rising European unease over U.S. reliability and control over F-35 exports. Interest is growing in Eurofighter, Rafale, and Gripen jets as more independent alternatives. Original news
Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Plans Clouded by Interest in Turkish Kaan
Indonesia’s potential involvement in Turkey’s Kaan fighter program is adding complexity to its future combat aircraft strategy. President Prabowo’s interest comes despite funding issues with the KF-21 project co-developed with South Korea. The status of Indonesia’s planned purchase of 24 Boeing F-15EX jets remains uncertain amid budget and approval hurdles. Meanwhile, Jakarta has confirmed a deal for 42 Dassault Rafales to modernize its aging fleet. Overall, the country’s long-term fighter procurement path appears increasingly fragmented. Original news
Indonesia Eyes Role in Turkey’s KAAN Fighter Jet Program
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has shown interest in joining Turkey’s 5th-generation KAAN fighter jet initiative following talks with President Erdogan in Ankara. The KAAN program, led by Turkish Aerospace Industries, is Turkey’s alternative to the U.S. F-35 project. Subianto’s visit reflects growing Indonesia-Turkey ties, marked by newly signed agreements on culture and disaster response. TAI’s General Manager stated that second and third KAAN prototypes are set to fly by late 2025 and early 2026. This potential collaboration signals Indonesia’s ambition to enhance its defense aviation capabilities. Original news
Airbus Eyes Deeper Defense Collaboration with Türkiye
Airbus is seeking to expand its collaboration with Türkiye’s defense and aviation industries, particularly by increasing local parts production. The move follows a March 24–25 summit in Toulouse where Airbus showcased its latest sustainable aviation developments. Airbus currently works with 41 Turkish suppliers, who produce $600 million worth of components annually. The company aims to deepen this partnership by encouraging greater involvement from Türkiye’s defense and aerospace sector. Officials expressed interest in leveraging Türkiye’s military aviation capabilities in future projects. Original news
Trump Weighs Lifting Sanctions on Turkey, Reviving F-16 and Potential F-35 Fighter Jet Sales
President Donald Trump is considering lifting sanctions on Turkey and resuming U.S. fighter jet sales after talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Negotiations are ongoing for a $23 billion deal involving 40 new F-16s and upgrade kits for 79 existing jets. Trump is also open to reintroducing Turkey into the F-35 program if a solution is found to neutralize its Russian S-400 missile system, such as disassembling or relocating it. Legal and technical consultations are underway to avoid violating the CAATSA sanctions law. Erdogan’s office emphasized Turkey’s goal of ending the sanctions and completing both the F-16 and F-35 […]
Europe Expands Defense Ties With Turkey Amid Growing Military Cooperation
European nations are increasingly recognizing Turkey’s defense industry, as seen in Italy’s Leonardo partnering with Baykar and Spain considering Turkish Aerospace Industries’ Hurjet jet trainers. Baykar is ramping up production of its Akinci UAS, with a new version featuring Leonardo equipment that could attract European buyers. The joint venture between Leonardo and Baykar highlights deepening industrial cooperation between Turkey and Europe. These developments signal Europe’s growing interest in Turkish military technology, particularly in unmanned systems and advanced aircraft. The shift reflects Turkey’s strengthening role in Europe’s defense industry and export market. Original news
Turkey’s Aselsan Successfully Tests GÖKBERK Laser Weapon Against Drones
Turkish defense company Aselsan has successfully tested its GÖKBERK mobile laser weapon system, designed to counter first-person-view (FPV) drones. The system autonomously tracked and destroyed drone threats, demonstrating its effectiveness for Türkiye’s Steel Dome national air defense system. Aselsan CEO Ahmet Akyol highlighted the system’s potential for both Turkey and allied nations, reinforcing its export prospects. The GÖKBERK laser is part of Turkey’s broader push to strengthen regional air defense capabilities. The Steel Dome project aims to enhance Türkiye’s defenses against evolving aerial threats. Original news
Leonardo and Baykar Form Joint Venture to Tap $100B European Drone Market
Italy’s Leonardo and Turkey’s Baykar have announced a joint venture to develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), targeting the $100 billion European drone market over the next decade. The JV will be based in Italy, utilizing both companies’ existing facilities, with discussions already underway with their national military forces. The first drone, expected in 18 months, will be based on Baykar’s high-altitude, heavy-lift Akinci and customized for customer needs. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani confirmed the venture will not compete with Europe’s MALE drone program, developed with Airbus and Dassault Aviation. The deal underscores Europe’s expanding UAV market and deepening defense cooperation […]
Baykar Signs Preliminary Contract for Piaggio Purchase
Baykar Technologies has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace, marking a significant step toward completing the asset transfer. The company was selected as the preferred bidder by Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy on December 27, 2024. Piaggio Aerospace, encompassing Piaggio Aero Industries and Piaggio Aviation, has been under extraordinary administration since 2018. The acquisition, expected to close in spring 2025, is contingent on meeting several conditions, including approval from Italy’s Council of Ministers under the ‘Golden Power’ law. This move highlights Baykar’s strategic expansion into aviation manufacturing on an international scale. Original news
Leonardo, drone maker Baykar seek ‘synergies’ on battlefield sensors
Italy’s Leonardo (DRS) and Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar are exploring a potential partnership to integrate Leonardo’s electronics and radar systems onto Baykar’s drones. The collaboration discussions follow Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani’s visit to Baykar’s Turkish facility, where he evaluated the Bayraktar TB2 and other drone platforms. A Leonardo spokesperson emphasized the interest in creating synergies between the two companies, combining Baykar’s drone expertise with Leonardo’s advanced airborne electronics and sensors. The partnership could include integrating technologies like Leonardo’s Gabbiano radar to enhance the capabilities of Baykar’s UAVs. This potential collaboration underscores growing international interest in advancing drone technologies through strategic […]
Turkish drone maker Baykar buys Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace
Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has acquired Italian aircraft producer Piaggio Aerospace, according to Italy’s industry ministry. The financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed. Piaggio Aerospace has been under government-controlled special administration since 2018 after filing for creditor protection. Baykar’s bid was selected over two international offers for its commitment to protecting the interests of Piaggio’s workers and creditors. The deal aims to secure Piaggio Aerospace’s industrial future and strengthen its operations. Original news
Germany took step toward clearing Turkey’s Eurofighter jet buy
Germany has instructed its Temporary Sales Authority to advance the sale of Eurofighter Typhoon jets to Turkey, overcoming prior objections. This decision is anticipated to streamline Turkey’s procurement of the jets, according to a Turkish defense ministry source. The Eurofighter Typhoons are developed by a consortium of Germany, Britain, Italy, and Spain, with companies like Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler indicated that efforts from these partner countries contributed to Germany’s shift. Additionally, Turkey recently finalized a deal with the U.S. to acquire 40 F-16 fighter jets and modernization kits for its current fleet, following extended […]
Romania Selects Otokar’s Cobra II Armored Vehicle In $940 Million Deal
Romania has selected the Turkish Cobra II armored vehicle for its land forces, ordering 1,059 units in a deal valued at around $940 million. The first 278 vehicles will be produced in Turkey by Otokar, with the remaining units built in Romania through local partnerships. Romania’s Ministry of National Defence assigned state-run company Romtehnica to oversee the procurement. This acquisition is part of Romania’s broader efforts to modernize its military, including plans to purchase tracked infantry fighting vehicles, tanks, and self-propelled howitzers. The ongoing war in Ukraine has prompted Romania to strengthen its defense capabilities and revive its domestic defense […]