The framework agreement between TUSAŞ and BAE Systems marks another important step in the rapidly developing defence cooperation between Turkiye and the UK.
The signing of the MoU, coming shortly after the signing of the Eurofighter sale, in which BAE Systems is the prime contractor, is attention-worthy.
While the details of cooperation are not known yet, several possibilities exist for the mechanics, like integration of BAE Systems’ products on TUSAŞ platforms or joint development of new platforms. The RAAF and Royal Navy are already considering the introduction of UAVs to support the manned fighters, similarly to the USAF’s CCA programme.
Another major bilateral cooperation on unmanned platforms is the initiation of LBA Systems JV by Baykar and Italian Leonardo in the first months of 2025. The JV will introduce various payloads from Leonardo to Baykar’s UAVs, which can be considered appealing to the European market where Leonardo is a prominent player.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
