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Baykar Proposes Upgrades for Piaggio Avanti and UAVs

Baykar Proposes Upgrades for Piaggio Avanti and UAVs Amid Intensifying Market Competition
Baykar’s recent acquisition of Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace represents a significant turning point for the historic aviation company. The Turkish defense firm has unveiled an extensive strategy aimed at revitalising Piaggio’s operations and product portfolio. Central to this plan is a substantial increase in the production of the P180 Avanti aircraft, expansion of engine manufacturing and maintenance capabilities, and the introduction of a comprehensive upgrade program culminating in the new “Avanti Next” configuration. Baykar positions this acquisition as a long-term strategic investment designed to merge Piaggio’s 140-year heritage in civil aviation with Baykar’s expertise in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies.
Strategic Vision and Operational Revitalisation
Haluk Bayraktar, Baykar’s General Manager and Chairman of Piaggio Aerospace, highlighted that the acquisition aims to combine Italian and Turkish industrial strengths to create a distinctive competitive advantage. Since entering extraordinary administration in 2018 due to insolvency, Piaggio Aerospace has maintained continuity in key areas such as P180 Avanti manufacturing, engine component production, and established maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
Currently, Piaggio produces approximately four to five Avanti aircraft annually, a figure Bayraktar describes as temporary. Baykar’s objective is to increase this output to 25–30 aircraft per year by leveraging existing facilities and supply chain infrastructure. The P180 Avanti, renowned as the world’s fastest turboprop, remains central to Baykar’s vision of restoring its competitiveness in the global market.
“Avanti Next”: Comprehensive Upgrades and Customer-Driven Innovation
A key element of Baykar’s strategy is the development of the “Avanti Next” modernisation package. This initiative includes advanced avionics with a transition toward Garmin systems, refreshed interiors that reflect Italian design aesthetics, and systems enhancements aimed at extending maintenance intervals. These upgrades are being developed collaboratively by Baykar and Piaggio engineering teams, with a strong emphasis on incorporating customer feedback to ensure the Avanti platform meets evolving market demands.
Global Support Expansion and Market Focus
Baykar also plans to enhance after-sales support and global service operations, focusing particularly on the United States, which represents the largest civil aviation market. Of the more than 220 P180 aircraft currently in service worldwide, around 100 are based in the US, another 100 in Europe, and the remainder in other regions. Strengthening support infrastructure is viewed as essential to sustaining and expanding the Avanti’s global presence.
Rising Competitive Pressures and Market Dynamics
Baykar’s ambitious plans emerge amid intensifying competition in both civil and defense aviation sectors. The rapidly evolving battlefield environment, especially in Ukraine, is driving increased demand for advanced UAV solutions. The United Kingdom is accelerating production of Octopus interceptor UAVs for Ukraine, while Quantum Systems and Frontline JV are preparing to deliver 10,000 Zoom and Linza UAVs by 2026. These developments are expected to heighten market pressure on Baykar and Piaggio to produce innovative, reliable, and cost-effective products.
Industry analysts suggest that competitors may expedite their own development schedules and enhance product offerings in response, underscoring the necessity for Baykar’s proposed upgrades to keep pace with technological advancements and shifting customer requirements. As Baykar advances its integration and modernisation efforts, the company confronts both significant opportunities and considerable challenges within a rapidly transforming global aviation landscape.

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