The Turkish defense company Baykar, primarily recognized for its reconnaissance-strike unmanned aerial vehicles Bayraktar TB2, is expanding its global presence. On Friday, December 27, it was announced that the Italian government approved a "green light" for the sale of Piaggio Aerospace.
This manufacturer has been under state management since 2018 due to financial difficulties. However, this has not hindered its ability to continue operations fully over the past six years. It is known that the commission managing Piaggio Aerospace selected Turkish Baykar among two other unnamed competitors.
According to the company, Baykar was chosen as the most suitable option among all alternatives, although details regarding this deal, particularly the cost of Turkey's acquisition of the Italian company, have not been disclosed, as noted by the publication Defense Post.
A representative from Piaggio Aerospace stated that this agreement will help preserve jobs and production.
Piaggio Aerospace, also known as Piaggio Aero Industries, has a long history dating back to 1884. It is one of the oldest aircraft manufacturers, with its first plane released in 1915.
In 1966, as a result of the company's development, two distinct branches were established: Piaggio Aero, focusing on aviation, and Vespa, which produced the iconic Vespa scooters.
The company is well-known for its business jets, particularly the P.180 Avanti, which made its first flight in September 1986. Production of the P.180 Avanti II series began in 2005, and these aircraft have been purchased by the Italian military, among others.
Currently, the company has delineated three areas of operation: business aviation, defense and security, and engines.