**The 55th Paris Air Show, set to unfold from June 16 to 22, 2025, at Le Bourget airfield in France, has established itself as the leading aerospace and defense exhibition in the world. Turkish defense companies are stepping into the limelight, showcasing pioneering technologies and forging strategic alliances that highlight Türkiye’s rising prominence in the global defense arena. With nearly 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries, firms such as Baykar and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) have captured significant attention this year, particularly in the domains of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), advanced avionics, and innovative defense systems.
This article explores their noteworthy participation at the event, key highlights, and the extensive implications of Türkiye’s defense sector on the world stage, reflecting a keen interest from international observers and recent updates from social media platforms.
Baykar and Leonardo’s LBA Systems Joint Venture
A standout feature of the Paris Air Show 2025 is the introduction of LBA Systems, a joint venture between Türkiye’s Baykar Technologies and the Italian defense powerhouse, Leonardo. This collaboration, unveiled earlier in the month, is a significant advancement for both organizations and has gained substantial media attention during the event. According to social media updates, Baykar is proudly introducing its flagship innovations, including the Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA (Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) and the Bayraktar TB3 SİHA (Armed UAV). The post reveals that this marks Baykar’s inaugural appearance at this high-profile exhibition, underscoring its evolving global footprint.
Leonardo’s Chairman, Stefano Pontecorvo, praised the capabilities of Baykar, noting it is “probably the best in the world” in the drone sector. He expressed high hopes for their joint venture, remarking, “We’re expecting to become a leading company in the drone space… The sky is the limit.” Notably, a new partnership agreement was reportedly signed between Baykar and Leonardo on the show’s second day, further cementing their collaboration and emphasizing the growing global interest in Turkish defense technologies.
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) Showcases Diverse Portfolio
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is also making a significant impression at the Paris Air Show with a vast exhibition of its evolving product suite. Reports indicate that TUSAŞ is hosting presentations in a dedicated chalet and showcasing a static display featuring advanced platforms including the HÜRKUŞ trainer aircraft and the GÖKBEY multirole helicopter. Demonstrating their innovative prowess, TUSAŞ is also displaying cutting-edge projects like the KAAN national combat aircraft and the ANKA Ground Control Station.
This diverse portfolio not only highlights TUSAŞ’s capability as a comprehensive aerospace and defense manufacturer but also reinforces Türkiye’s commitment to self-reliance in defense technology. A report from TRT Haber has noted TUSAŞ’s recognition as a ‘rising star’ on the global aerospace scene, with the company’s indigenous platforms creating a strong impact at the show.
Broader Context and Challenges
While the Paris Air Show 2025 showcases remarkable advancements, it is set against a complex geopolitical backdrop. Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and the recent Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner accident have cast a somber tone over the proceedings. The event has also generated controversy due to the French government’s closure of booths belonging to several Israeli defense companies, a move tied to their display of controversial weaponry during the Gaza conflict.
These developments have sparked a heated debate regarding fairness in the defense industry, prompting some Israeli firms to threaten legal action against the French government. Although Turkish companies are not directly implicated in these disputes, the heightened tensions emphasize the care that defense firms must exercise at international exhibitions. Turkish defense manufacturers are nonetheless leveraging this platform to spotlight their technological breakthroughs and strengthen new partnerships.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
The role of Turkish defense firms at the Paris Air Show 2025 is a clear reflection of Türkiye’s ambition to ascend as a global leader in aerospace and defense. Collaborations like Baykar’s with Leonardo and TUSAŞ’s impressive exhibition indicate the nation’s ability to compete on the international stage. Historically, the air show has facilitated billions of dollars in contracts, with prior editions generating around $150 billion in deals, proving to be a pivotal platform for Turkish companies to secure new contracts and expand their export markets.
Moreover, the accomplishments of Turkish defense firms extend beyond this exhibition, such as TUALCOM’s achievements at Eurosatory 2024 with its GPS/GNSS Anti-Jam Systems, further emphasizing the international interest in Turkish defense innovations. These trends collectively highlight Türkiye’s escalating role on the global defense stage.
Conclusion
Overall, the Paris Air Show 2025 offers a significant opportunity for Turkish defense firms to showcase their innovative technologies and strategic alliances. The collaboration between Baykar and Leonardo, along with TUSAŞ’s extensive presentations, underscores Türkiye’s increasing influence within the aerospace and defense sectors. Various reports suggest that these companies are not only demonstrating their technical capabilities but also reinforcing Türkiye’s commitment to self-sufficient and cooperative defense initiatives.
Despite the surrounding geopolitical complexities and industry challenges, Turkish firms are making a lasting impression, positioning themselves as pivotal players in the future landscape of global defense. As the event continues until June 22, the international aerospace community is sure to keep a keen eye on Türkiye’s contributions and innovations.
