ISTANBUL, Türkey, May 28, 2026 – Safran Electronics & Defense and Baykar have formed a partnership to integrate optronic sensors, navigation systems and guided weapon capabilities for drone and air-to-ground missions. The agreement includes fitting Baykar’s TB2 drones with Safran’s Euroflir electro-optical system to support surveillance, targeting and reconnaissance operations.
The companies will co-develop solutions that combine Safran’s work in observation, navigation and timing with Baykar’s unmanned aerial vehicle programs. The partnership focuses on integrated mission equipment for drones and air-to-ground operations, including sensors, navigation hardware and guided weapon functions.
Safran Electronics & Defense and Baykar will also market the jointly developed solutions to their global customer base. The agreement covers cooperation across technology development, operations and commercial activities.
Alexandre Ziegler, head of the defense business unit at Safran Electronics & Defense, said: “With the integration of our advanced Euroflir optronic systems and our world-class position, navigation, timing technologies into Baykar’s TB2 drones, we’re taking operational performance to the next level. Together with Baykar, we are proud to offer high levels of precision and intelligence for TB2 drones, helping to improve tactical UAV missions across the defense sector.”
Haluk Bayraktar, general manager of Baykar, stated: “The Memorandum of Understanding signed with Safran Electronics & Defense represents a significant milestone in advancing our strategic cooperation. Through this partnership, we aim to deliver innovative solutions and create new opportunities in the market.”
Source: Safran Group
About Safran Electronics & Defense
Safran Electronics & Defense is a Safran subsidiary serving aerospace, defense and space markets. Founded in 2005 as Sagem Défense Sécurité, the company is headquartered in Boulogne-Billancourt, France. It develops optronics, avionics, inertial navigation, timing, flight control and critical software systems. It also provides data processing, mission preparation, telemetry, radiofrequency, geolocation and cyber protection systems. Its products include inertial measurement units, actuators, sensors and image processing systems. The company also makes telescope and satellite mirrors, telemetry antennas, cockpit systems, parachute systems, homing heads, sights and navigation equipment. Safran Electronics & Defense serves civilian and military customers across air, land, sea and space sectors. Its equipment supports aircraft, helicopters, vehicles, ships, satellites, launchers, drones and ground systems. The company also provides support services for avionics and defense equipment. Safran reports more than 19,000 employees at Safran Electronics & Defense.
About Baykar
Baykar is a Turkish defense and aerospace company that designs, manufactures and supports unmanned aerial systems. Founded in 1984 by Özdemir Bayraktar as Baykar Makina, the company is headquartered in Istanbul, Turkey. Its products include Bayraktar TB2, Bayraktar Akıncı, Bayraktar TB3, Bayraktar Kızılelma, Bayraktar Mini UAV, Kalkan Diha, Kemankeş 1 and Kemankeş 2. Baykar also provides related payload, avionics, simulator, training and after-sales systems. It develops command, control, communications, computer and intelligence systems, network software, payload systems, AI work and the Cezeri flying car project. The company serves military, government, security, aviation, aerospace and defense customers. Its systems support reconnaissance, surveillance, intelligence, strike, training, firefighting and operator support missions. Baykar also works on aircraft carrier operations and unmanned combat aircraft programs.