The Piaggio P.180 will now come into the portfolio of Baykar, with a deal for the Turkish company to take control of the Italian manufacturer announced on 27 December. (Piaggio)
Türkiye's Baykar is to acquire Italy's Piaggio Aerospace in a deal announced by the Italian government on 27 December.
The deal approved by Italy's Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy will see the Turkish manufacturer of unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) take over ownership of the Italian aircraft builder and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) provider.
Italian Minister of Economic Development Adolfo Urso noted that the agreement now ends years of uncertainty for Piaggio, saying, “After six years of waiting, we are giving Piaggio Aerospace, a strategic asset for our country, a future with a long-term production perspective, safeguarding corporate complexes, and workforce.” Piaggio's defence and security portfolio includes the P.180 Avanti liaison, special mission, and maritime patrol aircraft (the P.1HH HammerHead unmanned version having been cancelled).
For Baykar, which describes itself as the world's largest unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) company (delivering its Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar Akinci UCAVs to 35 countries), the deal will see it “expand its influence in the European aviation market while preserving Piaggio's historical legacy and enhancing its production capacity… This strategic move adds to the global successes of Türkiye's aviation industry and ensures that Piaggio's historical identity is carried into the future through this agreement”.
As noted in the announcement, Baykar's bid won out against rival offers from multiple unmanned companies and countries. Neither the value nor the timeline of the acquisition was disclosed.
For more information on the Piaggio sale, please see Piaggio Aerospace solicits buyer.
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