Ankara: Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI) signed a strategic memorandum of understanding with British company BAE Systems to cooperate in the field of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems. At TAI, sources stated in a press release that the strategic memorandum of understanding between the two companies stipulates cooperation in the field of UAV systems and related technologies to meet the growing demand from customers worldwide.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, under the memorandum of understanding, engineers and experts from the two leading companies in the aviation and defense sector will meet to discuss future opportunities in the field of unmanned systems and explore potential collaboration on upcoming projects. This collaboration will build upon the strong existing relationship between the two companies. TUSAS aims to enhance its proven capabilities in unmanned systems, accelerate development, and explore new opportunities in global markets through this partnership.

In a statement regarding the memorandum, Dave Holmes, General Manager of Falcon Works at BAE Systems, praised the strong ties between Turkey and the UK. Holmes described the memorandum of understanding as “the beginning of a deep and meaningful alliance” between the two major companies. He noted that both parties possess complementary skills and capabilities and have a robust portfolio of unmanned systems. “By combining these systems, we can develop effective and cost-effective solutions,” he said.

In recent years, Turkey’s defense industry has become one of the world’s largest suppliers of drones. In June 2025, Baykar, a leading Turkish defense company, signed a joint venture agreement with the Italian giant Leonardo to produce drones. British company BAE Systems ranks sixth on the list of the world’s largest defense companies, while Leonardo comes in thirteenth.