Defense & Military
BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace form strategic UAS development alliance
BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace sign MoU to jointly develop scalable, cost-effective unmanned aerial systems, enhancing UK-Turkey defense cooperation.
In the ever-evolving landscape of defense technology, strategic partnerships are crucial for driving innovation and expanding market reach. A significant development in this arena is the recently announced collaboration between UK defense giant BAE Systems and Manufacturers Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI). The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), signaling a new chapter in their relationship and in the broader UK-Turkey defense cooperation. This alliance aims to merge the distinct strengths of both entities to produce advanced, scalable, and cost-effective uncrewed aircraft solutions for the global market.
This partnership doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It builds upon an existing foundation of collaboration, most notably BAE Systems’ support for Turkey’s first indigenous fighter jet, the KAAN. Furthermore, it aligns with a series of major defense agreements between the United Kingdom and Turkey, underscoring a deepening strategic relationship. For BAE Systems, this venture represents an opportunity to leverage its deep expertise in combat air systems and autonomy. For TAI, it’s a chance to elevate its proven UAS capabilities to new heights and explore new market opportunities, reinforcing Turkey’s ambition to become a self-sufficient and influential player in the global defense industry.
The collaboration between BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace is a textbook example of leveraging complementary capabilities. BAE Systems brings to the table a long and storied history in developing cutting-edge military technology. Its FalconWorks division, dedicated to advanced research and development, has been at the forefront of uncrewed systems, with projects like the Herti, Mantis, and the Taranis UCAV demonstrator under its belt. The company is also a key player in the UK’s Future Combat Air System, developing autonomous collaborative platforms that will define the next generation of air warfare.
On the other side of the alliance, Turkish Aerospace has rapidly emerged as a formidable force in the aerospace and defense sector. TAI has successfully developed a portfolio of indigenous aerial platforms, gaining international recognition for its UAS designs. Its medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) Anka and Aksungur Drones, along with the Anka III UCAV, have demonstrated significant operational capabilities. This proven track record in designing and manufacturing effective UAS platforms makes TAI an ideal partner for BAE Systems.
The synergy is clear: TAI’s agile design and manufacturing prowess combined with BAE Systems’ extensive experience in complex combat systems and autonomous technologies creates a powerful combination. The MoU, signed on November 6, 2025, formalizes the intent to identify and pursue shared projects. While specific details of these projects remain under wraps, the focus is on creating a range of scalable UAS solutions that can meet diverse operational needs efficiently and affordably.
“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.” – Dave Holmes, Managing Director, BAE Systems’ FalconWorks division.
This UAS partnership is a significant milestone within a much broader strategic alignment between the United Kingdom and Turkey. In the weeks leading up to the MoU announcement, the two nations finalized several high-profile defense deals. On October 27, 2025, a multi-billion-pound agreement was signed for Turkey to acquire 20 new UK-built Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets. This was preceded by Turkey’s confirmation on October 16, 2025, of its plan to acquire 12 former Royal Air Force C-130J-10 Hercules transport aircraft.
These agreements highlight a deliberate effort to strengthen defense and industrial cooperation. The collaboration on uncrewed systems is a logical next step, moving beyond transactional sales to joint development and technological integration. This approach not inly enhances the military capabilities of both nations but also fosters a more resilient and interconnected defense industrial base. For the UK, it solidifies a key strategic partnership in a critical region. For Turkey, it provides access to world-class expertise and technology, accelerating its journey toward defense self-sufficiency.
The alliance also reflects a global trend where nations and defense companies are forming international partnerships to share the costs and complexities of developing next-generation military hardware. TAI, for instance, has also recently signed an MoU with Airbus, indicating a broader strategy of international engagement. This collaborative approach allows for the pooling of resources, knowledge, and market access, positioning the partners for greater success in a competitive global market. “The agreement builds on the strong existing relationship between both companies and will allow us to bring our already proven uncrewed systems capabilities to new heights. We want to jointly explore how we can accelerate progress and new market opportunities in this field.” – Dr. Mehmet Demiroğlu, CEO, Turkish Aerospace.
The strategic alliance between BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace is more than just a business agreement; it is a forward-looking partnership poised to make a significant impact on the future of uncrewed aerial systems. By combining BAE’s legacy in advanced combat air systems with TAI’s proven success in UAS design and production, the collaboration is set to accelerate innovation and introduce new, cost-effective solutions to the market. This move reflects a sophisticated understanding of the modern defense landscape, where collaboration and technological synergy are paramount.
Looking ahead, the success of this partnership could serve as a model for future international defense collaborations. As specialists from both companies begin to explore joint opportunities, the industry will be watching closely. The potential outcomes, from new scalable drone platforms to integrated autonomous systems, could reshape tactical capabilities and create new export opportunities for both the UK and Turkey. This alliance not only strengthens the individual positions of BAE Systems and TAI but also reinforces the growing strategic importance of the UK-Turkey defense relationship in a complex geopolitical environment.
Question: What is the main objective of the partnership between BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace? Question: Is this the first time these two companies have worked together? Question: What other recent defense agreements have been made between the UK and Turkey?
BAE Systems and Turkish Aerospace Forge UAS Alliance
A Partnership of Complementary Strengths
Strengthening UK-Turkey Defense Ties
Conclusion: Charting the Future of Uncrewed Systems
FAQ
Answer: The primary goal is to form a strategic alliance to jointly develop scalable and cost-effective Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) by combining TAI’s design and manufacturing expertise with BAE Systems’ experience in combat air systems and autonomy.
Answer: No, the agreement builds on an existing relationship. BAE Systems has been providing some support for Turkish Aerospace’s development of the KAAN, Turkey’s first indigenous fighter jet.
Answer: Recently, Turkey agreed to acquire 20 new UK-built Eurofighter Typhoon jets and 12 former Royal Air Force C-130J-10 Hercules transport aircraft, highlighting a strengthening defense relationship between the two countries.
Sources
Photo Credit: TAI
Defense & Military
Airbus and Singapore Complete Manned-Unmanned Teaming Flight Trials
Airbus and Singapore’s DSTA successfully demonstrated manned-unmanned teaming with the Flexrotor drone and H225M helicopter in flight trials.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
Helicopters and Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) have successfully concluded a flight campaign demonstrating advanced manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) capabilities. Announced on February 5, 2026, the trials marked a significant step in the modernization of the Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF), proving the operational viability of controlling uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) directly from a helicopter cockpit.
The campaign, dubbed “HTeaming,” integrated an Airbus Flexrotor tactical drone with an RSAF H225M medium-lift helicopter. According to the official announcement, the trials took place in Singapore and utilized a simulated Search and Rescue (SAR) scenario to test the system’s limits. The successful demonstration validates the concept of extending a helicopter crew’s situational awareness beyond their visual range while keeping the manned aircraft at a safe distance from potential threats.
The core of the HTeaming trials involved a high-level integration of hardware and software that allowed the H225M crew to exercise full command and control over the Flexrotor drone. Airbus stated that the system setup included a specialized modem, four antennas, a tablet interface, and mission software installed directly on the helicopter.
During the trials, which were physically conducted in January 2026 before the February announcement, the system successfully established a real-time data link between the two aircraft. The helicopter crew received live video and sensor data from the Flexrotor, allowing for rapid target identification and decision-making. This capability is particularly critical in complex missions where “eyes on target” are required before committing a manned asset to a high-risk zone.
Olivier Michalon, Executive Vice President of Global Business at Airbus Helicopters, emphasized the tactical advantage provided by this integration:
By leveraging the strengths of both platforms, air commanders are enabled with unprecedented situational awareness in complex missions and high-risk environments.
This collaboration aligns with the RSAF’s broader “SAF 2040” transformation strategy. The air force has been actively pursuing a “high-low mix” approach, combining high-end manned platforms like the H225M and F-35 with cost-effective unmanned systems. The partnership between Airbus and DSTA began formally in June 2025, leading rapidly to these flight trials less than a year later.
Ang Jer Meng, Director of Air Systems at DSTA, highlighted the forward-looking nature of the success in the press statement: This achievement gives us confidence to move further to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible for more dynamic operations. The successful teaming is a game-changer for modern tactical operations.
The trials relied on specific technical capabilities of the involved aircraft, as detailed in the release and supporting technical data:
The speed at which Airbus and DSTA moved from agreement (June 2025) to successful trial (January 2026) underscores the maturity of current MUM-T technologies. For Airbus, this is a critical proof-of-concept for the export market. By creating a modular, agnostic kit rather than a proprietary “walled garden,” Airbus positions itself to upgrade existing fleets globally, not just sell new airframes.
For Singapore, this reinforces the nation’s status as a premier technology adopter in the Asia-Pacific region. The ability to retrofit the existing H225M fleet with drone-control capabilities effectively acts as a force multiplier, expanding the fleet’s reconnaissance reach without the cost of acquiring additional manned surveillance aircraft.
Sources: Airbus Press Release
Airbus and Singapore Successfully Demonstrate Manned-Unmanned Teaming in “HTeaming” Trials
Operational Details of the HTeaming Trials
Mission Capabilities
Strategic Context: RSAF Modernization
Technical Specifications
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Embraer Signs Long-Term Support Contract for Hungarian C-390 Fleet
Embraer secures a service agreement with Hungary to maintain C-390 Millennium aircraft, featuring unique medical evacuation capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
Embraer has officially signed a comprehensive service agreement with the Hungarian Air Force to provide long-term support for its fleet of C-390 Millennium transport aircraft. The contract, announced by the manufacturer, is designed to ensure the operational readiness and availability of the two aircraft recently delivered to the NATO member nation.
According to the company’s announcement, the agreement encompasses a wide range of services, including logistics, maintenance, and technical support. This move marks a shift from the acquisition phase to the sustainment phase, ensuring that Hungary’s newly completed fleet remains mission-ready through Embraer’s expanding support infrastructure in Europe.
The service agreement leverages Embraer’s established “European footprint” to deliver maintenance and logistical solutions. While the aircraft are based in Hungary, the support network is anchored significantly in Portugal.
Industry data indicates that OGMA, an Embraer group company located in Alverca, Portugal, serves as the primary authorized service center for the region. Additionally, the newly established “Embraer Defense Europe” office in Lisbon coordinates these regional defense initiatives, facilitating cooperation among NATO operators of the C-390 platform.
The primary objective of this contract is to maintain the high reliability rates the fleet has already demonstrated. According to Embraer, the Hungarian C-390s have achieved a mission completion rate exceeding 99% since entering service, a statistic the manufacturer aims to uphold through this new support framework.
Hungary holds a unique position within the C-390 user group. It is the second NATO nation, following Portugal, to operate the aircraft, and the first to receive its full order of two units. The delivery timeline proceeded as follows:
A key differentiator for the Hungarian fleet is its specialized configuration. These aircraft are the first in the world to be equipped with a Roll-on/Roll-off Intensive Care Unit (ICU). This modular system allows the Hungarian Air Force to rapidly convert the tactical transport into a flying hospital, capable of performing complex Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) and humanitarian missions.
In a statement regarding the aircraft’s versatility, Embraer noted: “The Hungarian C-390 is the first in the world with a Roll-on/Roll-off Intensive Care Unit in its configuration, allowing the aircraft to perform humanitarian missions and Medical Evacuation.”
Beyond medical missions, the aircraft retains the standard multi-mission capabilities of the C-390 Millennium, including the transport of 26 tons of cargo, air-to-air refueling (AAR), and operation from unpaved runways.
The agreement with Hungary arrives amidst a broader adoption of the C-390 Millennium across Europe. As nations look to replace aging tactical airlift fleets, specifically the C-130 Hercules, the C-390 has secured orders or selections from several European operators.
Current and future European operators include:
The signing of this service agreement highlights a critical maturity milestone for the C-390 program in Europe. While securing orders is the first hurdle for any defense contractor, establishing a reliable, regional logistics network is essential for long-term retention and operational success.
By anchoring support in Portugal through OGMA and the Lisbon office, Embraer is effectively creating a NATO-interoperable support hub. This strategy not only services existing clients like Hungary and Portugal but also prepares the groundwork for the incoming fleets from the Netherlands, Austria, and Sweden. For Hungary, the specific focus on the ICU configuration underscores a growing trend among smaller NATO air forces to acquire dual-use assets that provide high value in both military logistics and civilian humanitarian aid.
Sources:
Embraer Secures Long-Term Support Contract for Hungarian C-390 Fleet
Scope of Support and European Infrastructure
Fleet Capabilities and Configuration
First-in-Class Medical Evacuation
Regional Context and Market Expansion
AirPro News Analysis
Embraer Press Release
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
US Coast Guard Accepts 18th Mission-Ready HC-130J for Sacramento Fleet
The US Coast Guard finalizes delivery of its 18th missionized HC-130J aircraft, enhancing surveillance and patrol capabilities at Air Station Sacramento.
This article is based on an official press release from the U.S. Coast Guard and background legislative data.
The United States Coast Guard is finalizing delivery activities this week for its 18th fully missionized HC-130J Super Hercules long-range surveillance aircraft. According to an official announcement from the service, the military-aircraft, designated CGNR 2018, is being accepted at the L3Harris Integrated Mission Systems facility in Waco, Texas.
This delivery marks the culmination of a complex two-stage procurement process. While the “green” (baseline) aircraft was originally delivered by manufacturers Lockheed Martin in January 2025, it has spent the last year undergoing specialized “missionization” upgrades. These modifications transform the standard transport airframe into a sophisticated surveillance asset capable of executing the Coast Guard’s diverse maritime missions.
The acceptance of CGNR 2018 is a critical step in the service’s recapitalization efforts. This specific airframe is slated to support the transition of Air Station Sacramento, California, which is shifting from the smaller C-27J Spartan to the larger, more capable HC-130J platform.
The journey from a factory-fresh aircraft to a deployable Coast Guard asset involves significant technological integration. According to the Coast Guard’s acquisition directorate, the aircraft underwent approximately one year of modifications at the L3Harris facility in Waco. This process integrates the service’s proprietary systems into the commercial airframe.
Key upgrades installed during this period include the Minotaur Mission System Suite. This government-owned, open-architecture system acts as the central nervous system of the aircraft, integrating sensors, Radar-Systems, and communications equipment. It allows crew members to gather and process surveillance data in real-time, a vital capability for search and rescue (SAR) and interdiction operations.
“The Coast Guard is completing final delivery activities this week for its 18th fully missionized HC-130J long range surveillance aircraft, designated CGNR 2018.”
, U.S. Coast Guard Press Release
In addition to the Minotaur suite, the missionization process equips the Super Hercules with the AN/APY-11 Multimode Radar, designed to track maritime targets even in high seas and adverse weather conditions. The aircraft also received the Block 8.1 upgrade, which includes enhanced inter-communication systems, improved approach and landing capabilities, civil GPS integration, and expanded diagnostic tools. The delivery of CGNR 2018 is part of a broader strategy to modernize the Coast Guard’s fixed-wing fleet. The service plans to acquire a fleet of at least 22 HC-130Js to replace the aging legacy HC-130H models. The new J-models offer significant performance improvements, including a 20 percent increase in speed and a 40 percent increase in range compared to their predecessors.
This procurement is supported by substantial legislative investment. According to background research on recent appropriations, the funding for this aircraft stems from the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA), signed in July 2025. This legislative package allocated approximately $25 billion to the Coast Guard, with $1.1 billion specifically designated for the procurement of six HC-130J aircraft and associated simulators.
The assignment of CGNR 2018 to Air Station Sacramento represents a significant shift in West Coast maritime capability. By transitioning from the C-27J Spartan to the HC-130J, the station will gain the ability to conduct longer patrols further offshore. The HC-130J’s range of approximately 4,900 nautical miles and endurance of over 20 hours will allow for extended search and rescue operations deep into the Pacific, a capability that is increasingly vital as maritime traffic and operational demands grow. We view this as a strategic consolidation of heavy airlift and surveillance resources on the Pacific Rim.
Sources: U.S. Coast Guard
Coast Guard Accepts 18th Mission-Ready HC-130J for Sacramento Fleet Expansion
The Missionization Process
Technical Enhancements
Strategic Deployment and Funding
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo Credit: U.S. Coast Guard
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