Washington Offers Baykar to Localize Drone Production in the US

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan shared that Washington has asked Baykar to open production in the United States.

Van Postasi Gazetesi reported this, citing his speech in New York.

As noted by Turkiye Gazetesi, the request aligns with recent analytical reports submitted to Congress. In those reports, Baykar’s Bayraktar TB2 drones are described as a symbol of Turkey’s regional deterrence.

The two reports submitted to the House of Representatives emphasize Turkey’s role in NATO, its strategic location in the Black Sea region, and the growth of its defense industry.

“Bayraktar drones are being used effectively by Ukrainians in surveillance and attack operations, surprising the Russian military. This drone, which changed the course of the war in 2022, demonstrates Turkey’s leadership in unmanned aerial vehicle production,” the report says.

Turkish-Ukrainian defense cooperation is highlighted as a critical issue. Although Baykar’s Ukrainian plant was targeted in a Russian attack in August, this has not weakened the partnership. On the contrary, according to the report, cooperation in areas such as drone technology, engine development, and corvette production has expanded.

Fidan said the most critical issue in US-Turkey relations remains sanctions on the defense industry.

He added that the US should lift CAATSA sanctions on both the F-35 program and the engines of Turkey’s national fighter jet, KAAN. In particular, he noted that the license for KAAN engines had been suspended due to the US blockade.

KAAN

The prototype of the next-generation fighter KAAN, previously known as the MMU (Milli Muharip Uçak) or TF-X, received its official name on May 1, 2023.

Developers are tasked with creating a combat aircraft with low radar visibility and high maneuverability. It will feature a modern electro-optical targeting system and onboard radar. The production of three MMU Block prototypes is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, with a Block I prototype expected by 2029.

The aircraft made its first flight in February 2024. Development is progressing in stages, with key weapons systems to be installed on later prototypes.

Despite ongoing development, Turkey signed its first export agreement in July 2025 for 48 KAAN fighter jets to Indonesia. Under the memorandum, deliveries are to be made within 120 months. Turkish media report the 10-year project is valued at more than $10 billion.