Piaggio Aerospace, recently acquired by Turkish defense company Baykar, has announced the signing of a new contract with Italy’s Guardia di Finanza for the purchase of one P.180 Avanti EVO aircraft.
According to the company’s statement, the agreement includes initial logistics support as well as options for additional aircraft and related supplies. The new platform will enhance the Guardia di Finanza’s tactical transport capabilities and overall operational readiness, complementing its existing fleet of two P.180 Avanti II aircraft.
The P.180 Avanti EVO represents the latest evolution of Piaggio’s iconic twin turboprop. The aircraft has been upgraded with advanced mission systems, an enlarged door for cargo and medical evacuation missions, and an extended range enabled by additional fuel tanks. Beyond its high-speed performance and short takeoff and landing capability, these features give the EVO a broader mission profile.
For the Guardia di Finanza, the aircraft will serve as a force multiplier in combating smuggling, conducting financial oversight, and securing borders. Its tactical transport configuration will allow for the rapid deployment of personnel and critical equipment.
The extended fuel tanks provide longer endurance, making the aircraft particularly valuable for maritime patrol and surveillance missions over the Mediterranean, where it is expected to support operations against illicit trade and human trafficking. Meanwhile, the enlarged door design facilitates medical evacuation, enabling the easy transport of stretchers and emergency equipment. This flexibility strengthens the Guardia di Finanza’s role not only in law enforcement and security but also in humanitarian and emergency operations.
With its quieter, more environmentally friendly engines, the Avanti EVO is well-suited for missions near urban areas, aligning with stricter environmental standards.
The deal comes shortly after Baykar’s acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace, marking an important step in the Italian manufacturer’s revitalization and strengthening Baykar’s footprint in the European aerospace market.
