Turkish defense company Baykar has entered a strategic cooperation agreement with French firm Safran Electronics and Defense, signed at the SAHA 2026 International Defense and Aerospace Exhibition in Istanbul. The partnership targets advanced aviation electronics and electronic solutions for unmanned aerial vehicles, integrating Safrans expertise in optronics and navigation systems with Baykars flight control and airframe technologies.
This collaboration aims to improve operational reliability and intelligence capabilities across Baykars UAV fleet, while standardizing electronic systems for cost-effective production and interoperability with global standards. Baykar, producer of the widely exported Bayraktar TB2 UAV, continues to expand through multiple alliances, including integrations with UAE-based EDGE Groups Desert Sting 16 precision-guided munitions on the TB2 and a joint venture with Italian firm Leonardo for unmanned systems production in Italy.
Safran, active in parallel partnerships such as smart weapons development with EDGE and a joint venture with Indias Bharat Electronics for the HAMMER precision-guided munition, bolsters its role in UAV and weaponry advancements through the Baykar deal. The agreement reflects growing international ties in drone technology amid rising global demand for unmanned platforms.