Baykar buys Piaggio aero as Turkey expands its military diplomacy

Selçuk Bayraktar, the Turkish engineer and entrepreneur, is best known as the Chief Technology Officer of Baykar Technologies, a leading defense company specializing in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). He owns 52.5% of the Turkish unmanned military drone manufacturer. Married to Sümeyye Erdoğan, the daughter of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, Bayraktar holds a prominent position both within the Turkish defense sector and Erdoğan’s close-knit circle. While Bayraktar’s work in advancing Turkey’s defense capabilities has earned him acclaim, his ideological affiliations and alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood as well as a prominent player in Erdogan’s shadow government have been a subject of debate. He is also seen as a potential successor to Erdogan.

Bayraktar’s alignment with Erdoğan’s policies reflects a shared vision of projecting Turkey as a dominant power in the Islamic world. The Muslim Brotherhood, a transnational Islamist movement, has long found a supporter in Erdoğan’s administration, which advocates a political Islam narrative aligned with Brotherhood principles. Critics suggest that Bayraktar’s work and public statements align with this broader ideological framework, emphasizing Turkey’s role as a protector and unifier of the Muslim community, particularly in regions where the Brotherhood has influence.

Through his defense innovations, Bayraktar has indirectly supported Turkey’s geopolitical strategies, including aiding factions linked to the Muslim Brotherhood. Turkish drones produced by Baykar have played pivotal roles in conflicts in Libya and Syria, where Turkey has backed Brotherhood-affiliated groups and aligned factions. Recently Turkish drones have been bombing the Kurdish Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in Manjib. Additionally, Bayraktar’s close ties to the Erdoğan family and involvement in initiatives emphasizing Islamic solidarity have fueled speculation about his ideological leanings.

While Bayraktar has primarily focused on his role as an engineer and innovator, his proximity to Erdoğan and his defense contributions to Turkey’s foreign policy goals have inevitably linked him to the administration’s broader ideological agenda. Whether his personal views fully align with the Muslim Brotherhood or merely reflect his support for Erdoğan’s policies remains a matter of interpretation. However, his influence within Turkey’s political and defense spheres underscores his role in shaping the country’s aspirations on both a regional and global scale.

Given his debatable political leanings the Italian government’s announcement that Baykar Technologies has purchased Piaggio Aero raises several questions. Piaggio posses technologies which may change Baykar and Turkey’s footprint in the middle east. Drones which are very cheap and accessible may be made available to state and non-state actors bringing more challenges to the security of the Middle East and Israel.

Piaggio aero, through its subsidiary Piaggio Aerospace, has distinguished itself in the defense aviation sector by offering advanced aircraft and cutting-edge technologies. These platforms are celebrated for their efficiency, versatility, and adaptability, making them well-suited for various military and defense applications. Among its standout contributions are aircraft used for surveillance, signals intelligence (SIGINT), and a wide range of defense missions.

The Piaggio P.1HH HammerHead represents a significant advancement in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). This medium-altitude, long-endurance drone is a product of Piaggio’s innovative approach to aerodynamics and propulsion. The HammerHead is equipped with sophisticated sensors, radar systems, and communication technologies, enabling it to excel in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance operations. With the ability to remain airborne for extended periods, it is particularly effective for persistent monitoring over remote or hostile areas. Fully autonomous in its take-off, navigation, and landing processes, the HammerHead reduces the need for human oversight, increasing efficiency and reliability. Its applications are diverse, ranging from border patrol and maritime surveillance to disaster response and SIGINT missions. By carrying electronic intelligence equipment, it can intercept and analyze communications, making it a critical tool for monitoring and understanding adversary activities.

The Piaggio P.180 Avanti is another cornerstone of the company’s defense programs. Renowned for its distinctive aerodynamic design and twin turboprop engines, this aircraft has been adapted from its civilian origins to serve a variety of military purposes. In its defense configurations, the P.180 has proven invaluable for maritime patrols, equipped with radar and imaging systems to monitor and protect coastal zones. It also functions effectively as an airborne surveillance platform, integrating equipment for electronic intelligence and SIGINT operations. Its spacious cabin design allows for customization to meet specific needs, whether for search and rescue missions, medical evacuation, or tactical reconnaissance. 

Collaborations with defense forces, including the Italian Air Force, have further demonstrated the value of Piaggio Aero’s aircraft. These partnerships have integrated the HammerHead into military intelligence and reconnaissance missions, enhancing the capabilities of national security and international peacekeeping efforts. The ability of Piaggio’s aircraft to perform under demanding conditions highlights their reliability and versatility.

Piaggio Aero’s defense programs exemplify its dedication to providing versatile and efficient solutions for modern challenges. From the unmanned sophistication of the P.1HH HammerHead to the multifunctional design of the P.180 Avanti, Piaggio’s aircraft continue to play a vital role in surveillance, SIGINT, and defense missions. 

Erdogan’s military diplomacy, support to Islamic extremists like Hamas and ambitions to become a global power are well known. Recently he provided drones to Maldives, after the election of Mohamed Muizzu, a known Islamist and anti-India politician as President, furthering Turkey’s reach to the Indian ocean. Mediating a MoU between Ethiopia and Somalia, he has expanded Turkey’s reach into the red sea, patrolling the Somali coast. He has expressed anti-Israel sentiments and is a firm supporter of Hamas. At this time, the acquisition of a specialized drone technology company by his son-in-law in a NATO country could not but ring alarm bells.