BAE Systems, TAI Expand UK-Turkey Defense Ties With Joint Drone Building Deal
BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to collaborate on the development of drones, expanding defense cooperation between the UK and Turkey in advanced aerospace technology.
The agreement establishes a strategic alliance to identify joint projects and accelerate the creation of scalable, cost-effective unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
Engineers from both companies will combine the British firm’s expertise in combat air and autonomy with its Ankara-based counterpart’s experience in design and manufacturing.
Dave Holmes, managing director of BAE Systems’ next-generation aerospace research and development division FalconWorks, said the deal represents “the start of a deep and meaningful alliance between our two organisations,” adding that both firms bring “complementary skills and capabilities” that can be combined to produce “cost-effective solutions.”
TAI CEO Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu noted that the collaboration builds on years of cooperation between the two defense contracting giants.
“The agreement will allow us to bring our already proven uncrewed systems capabilities to new heights,” he said. “We want to jointly explore how we can accelerate progress and new market opportunities in this field.”
BAE and TAI Portfolios
BAE has a long track record in the field with experimental aircraft such as the Mantis and Taranis, as well as AI-assisted flight control technologies, paving the way for new UAS platforms.
It is now developing an autonomous “loyal wingman” platform to operate alongside manned fighters as part of the UK Armed Forces’ Future Combat Air System program, which includes the Tempest next-generation jet.
Meanwhile, TAI’s current lineup includes the Anka and Aksungur surveillance UAS, both medium-altitude, long-endurance systems capable of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.
The Anka III, its latest combat drone, features a stealthy flying-wing design built for strike and electronic warfare operations, able to carry precision-guided munitions and fly for more than 10 hours.
The company is also developing the Kaan fifth-generation fighter and Hurjet light combat aircraft, reflecting Turkey’s push to expand its indigenous airpower capabilities.
Broader Defense Ties
The deal follows Turkey’s recent $11-billion agreement to buy 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, which BAE will assemble and equip at its Lancashire facility in North West England.
The first of the 20 Eurofighter aircraft is expected to be delivered in 2030.
