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BAE Systems has signed a memorandum of understanding with Turkish Aerospace to explore opportunities to collaborate on the development of uncrewed air systems.
The strategic alliance will see experts from Türkiye’s aerospace and defence company working with BAE Systems’ combat air experts to explore common opportunities on uncrewed systems.
“We see this as the start of a deep and meaningful alliance between our two organisations, each bringing complementary skills and capabilities to the table and a strong portfolio of uncrewed assets which we can leverage and combine to create a range of compelling and cost-effective solutions,” said Dave Holmes, BAE Systems FalconWorks division managing director.
Turkish Aerospace chief executive officer Dr Mehmet Demiroğlu said the agreement builds on the strong existing relationship between both companies.
“(The agreement will) allow us to bring our already proven uncrewed systems capabilities to new heights,” Demiroğlu said.
“We want to jointly explore how we can accelerate progress and new market opportunities in this field.”
Earlier this week, the UK government announced it had secured a multibillion-pound agreement with the Republic of Türkiye for the purchase of 20 Typhoon aircraft and an associated weapons and integration package
Under that separate agreement, BAE Systems will manufacture major airframe components, conduct the final assembly of the aircraft and lead the weapons integration at its sites in Lancashire. The weapons package will be primarily provided by MBDA.
The agreement means the Turkish Air Force will become the 10th air force – alongside the UK, Germany, Spain, Italy, Austria, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia – to operate Typhoon and reinforces the outstanding operational support the aircraft continues to deliver across Europe and the Middle East as a fundamental pillar of defence and security. The deal includes a comprehensive weapons package, including the MBDA Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile.
“Typhoon is an export success story and demonstrates how investment in defence can fuel significant economic growth and returns across the UK,” BAE Systems chief executive Charles Woodburn said.
“Today’s announcement extends Typhoon production and preserves crucial sovereign skills which underpin the UK’s defence and security.”
The first delivery to Türkiye is expected to take place in 2030.
“Türkiye’s procurement of Typhoon marks the start of a new chapter in our longstanding relationship with this important NATO ally and reinforces the outstanding operational support the aircraft delivers across Europe and the Middle East as a fundamental pillar of defence and security,” Woodburn added.
