The 55th Paris Air Show, held from June 16 to 22, 2025, at Le Bourget airfield in France, has once again solidified its position as the world’s premier aerospace and defense exhibition. Among the nearly 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries, Turkish defense firms have emerged as key players, showcasing cutting-edge technologies and forging strategic partnerships that highlight Türkiye’s growing influence in the global defense industry. With a focus on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), advanced avionics, and innovative defense systems, companies like Baykar, Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), and others are drawing significant attention at this year’s event. This article explores their participation, key highlights, and the broader impact of Türkiye’s defense sector on the global stage, citing recent news and posts from X.
Baykar and Leonardo’s LBA Systems Joint Venture
One of the standout developments at the Paris Air Show 2025 is the debut of LBA Systems, a joint venture between Türkiye’s Baykar Technologies and Italian defense giant Leonardo. This partnership, announced earlier this month, marks a significant milestone for both companies and was prominently featured at the air show. According to a post by @SavunmaSanayiST on X, LBA Systems is being introduced for the first time at the Paris Air Show, with Baykar showcasing its flagship products, including the Bayraktar AKINCI TİHA (Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), Bayraktar TB3 SİHA (Armed UAV), and Kemankeş 1 cruise missile. The post highlights that this is Baykar’s first appearance at the prestigious event, underscoring the company’s growing global footprint.
Leonardo Chairman Stefano Pontecorvo praised Baykar’s capabilities, reportedly calling it “probably the best in the world” in the drone space. He expressed optimism about the partnership, stating, “We’re expecting to become a leading company in the drone space… The sky is the limit”. This sentiment was echoed in a TRT World report, which noted that a new deal was signed between Baykar and Leonardo on the second day of the air show, further cementing their collaboration. The report highlighted the global interest in Turkish defense firms, with Baykar’s advanced UAVs drawing significant attention. The LBA Systems partnership is poised to leverage Baykar’s expertise in drone technology and Leonardo’s global reach, positioning both companies to compete at the forefront of the unmanned systems market.
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) Showcases Diverse Portfolio
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ), another major player, is making a significant impact at the Paris Air Show with a robust display of its products. According to a post by
@TyrannosurusRex on X, TUSAŞ is presenting both in a dedicated chalet and a static display area. The static display features advanced platforms such as the HÜRKUŞ (trainer aircraft), HÜRJET (advanced jet trainer), GÖKBEY (multirole helicopter), AKSUNGUR (UAV), and an ANKA Ground Control Station. In the chalet, TUSAŞ is showcasing models of its cutting-edge projects, including the KAAN (national combat aircraft), T129 ATAK (attack helicopter), T929 (heavy attack helicopter), ANKA-III (stealth UAV), GÖKTÜRK-3 (observation satellite), and TÜRKSAT-6A (communications satellite).
This diverse portfolio underscores TUSAŞ’s role as a comprehensive aerospace and defense manufacturer, capable of delivering solutions across air, space, and unmanned systems. A report from TRT Haber emphasized that TUSAŞ is being recognized as a “rising star” in the global aerospace industry, with its indigenous platforms making a strong impression at the air show. The report noted that Turkish defense firms, led by TUSAŞ, are leaving a significant mark on the event, reinforcing Türkiye’s reputation for self-reliance and innovation in defense technology.
Broader Context and Challenges
The Paris Air Show 2025 is taking place against a complex geopolitical backdrop, with the ongoing war in the Middle East and recent events, such as the Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner crash on June 12, casting a somber tone over the event. Additionally, the show has faced controversy, particularly with the French authorities’ decision to close the stands of several Israeli defense firms due to their display of “offensive weapons” amid the Gaza conflict. This decision has sparked debates about fairness and political motivations, with some Israeli firms, like Rafael, announcing plans to sue the French government. While Turkish firms have not been directly implicated in these controversies, the heightened tensions highlight the delicate balance defense companies must navigate at global exhibitions.
Despite these challenges, Turkish defense firms have capitalized on the opportunity to showcase their technological advancements and forge new partnerships. The focus on unmanned systems, in particular, aligns with global trends, as countries increasingly invest in drones and autonomous technologies to address modern security challenges. Türkiye’s emphasis on indigenous development, as highlighted by TUSAŞ’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” ethos (echoed by India’s DRDO at the same event), positions it as a leader in self-reliant defense manufacturing.
Global Impact and Future Prospects
The participation of Turkish defense firms at the Paris Air Show 2025 reflects Türkiye’s broader ambition to become a global leader in aerospace and defense. Baykar’s collaboration with Leonardo and TUSAŞ’s expansive display demonstrate the country’s ability to compete with established players in Europe and beyond. The air show, which drives billions of dollars in deals—$150 billion in past editions—serves as a critical platform for Turkish firms to secure new contracts and expand their export markets.
Moreover, the success of Turkish defense firms at the air show builds on their prior achievements at other international exhibitions. For instance, a post by
@SavunmaSanayiST noted that TUALCOM, another Turkish defense company, garnered significant attention at Eurosatory 2024 for its GPS/GNSS Anti-Jam Systems, which have been exported to multiple countries. Similarly, ASELSAN’s GÖKSUR air defense system was showcased at EURONAVAL 2024, highlighting Türkiye’s advancements in naval defense. These examples illustrate the consistent global interest in Turkish defense technologies, which is now being amplified at the Paris Air Show.
In general, the Paris Air Show 2025 has provided a global stage for Turkish defense firms to showcase their innovative technologies and strategic partnerships. Baykar’s LBA Systems joint venture with Leonardo and TUSAŞ’s comprehensive display of advanced platforms underscore Türkiye’s growing prowess in the aerospace and defense sectors. As noted in various news reports and X posts, these companies are not only demonstrating technical excellence but also reinforcing Türkiye’s commitment to self-reliance and global collaboration. Despite the geopolitical and industry challenges surrounding the event, Turkish firms are making a lasting impression, positioning themselves as key players in the future of global defense. As the air show continues until June 22, the international aerospace community will undoubtedly keep a close eye on Türkiye’s contributions to the industry’s evolving landscape.
