French defense company Safran and Turkish leading unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer Baykar signed strategic cooperation agreement, companies reported in joint press release.
According to concluded agreements, parties will work together on comprehensive solutions combining sensors, navigation technologies and guided weapons.
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From specific concluded agreement details, it is known that within Bayraktar TB2 reconnaissance-strike unmanned system capability enhancement, Safran Euroflir electro-optical station will be integrated into it.
This electro-optical system family has several samples, one of most mass Euroflir 410, which Turkish unmanned system will likely receive. This EOS is designed for conducting reconnaissance, surveillance, target detection and tracking.
Question may arise why Baykar should equip its Bayraktar TB2 drone with French electro-optical station when they have own from Aselsan, but companies' press release directly states they will promote these advanced solutions among their global clients.
This is normal practice when export versions have variability in choosing various systems, especially in context that Safran promotes its Euroflir optoelectronic station as ITAR-free, meaning product whose technologies and components are not subject to U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations, so American State Department does not control such products' export or use. Especially as Euroflir is quite popular electro-optical station family.
Worth noting Baykar has serious European market plans, involving their drones overall. Last year Baykar together with Italian Leonardo created LBA Systems joint venture. Previously we reported specifically how Italians can strengthen Turkish unmanned systems.
Also worth noting Baykar and Safran cooperation is not limited only to Bayraktar TB2 unmanned systems, and overall French Safran solutions may also reach samples like Akinci or Kizilelma.
Previously, Defense Express reported Baykar's Kızılelma unmanned fighter with Ukrainian engine received first export customer.
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