Defense contractor Baykar set to establish manufacturing facility in Samsun
In the heart of Turkey's Black Sea region, Baykar, the world's largest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) manufacturer, is establishing a cutting-edge production center in the Tekkeköy district of Samsun. This marks the company's first manufacturing base in an Anatolian city, set to bring advanced technological manufacturing capabilities and qualified employment opportunities to the region [1][2][3].
The impact on the defense sector is substantial. Baykar is a leading global exporter of armed drones, including the Bayraktar TB2 and the Bayraktar Akıncı UCAV. In 2024, the company generated $1.8 billion in exports, accounting for one-quarter of Turkey's total defense and aerospace exports, and serving 36 countries worldwide [1][2]. The Samsun hub is expected to further strengthen Turkey’s position in the global armed drone market and support ongoing projects like the first unmanned fighter jet, Kızılelma [2].
For the local economy, this investment brings high-tech jobs and industrial development to Samsun, a city steeped in national history and strategically located for trade and logistics in the Black Sea region. The production hub is seen as a catalyst for regional economic growth by enhancing industrial capacity and technological innovation in this historically and economically significant area [1][2].
Samsun holds a special place in Turkey's national memory, as it was the city where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the founding leader of Turkey, arrived on May 19, 1919, to initiate the country's independence movement. This anniversary is commemorated as a national holiday across Turkey [4]. The city was also recently honoured with a medal for its contributions to the nation [5].
Baykar's new production hub is not just a boost for the defense sector but also a testament to the city's continued significance. As the Black Sea region is expected to emerge as a significant hub for the defense and aerospace industries, Samsun is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation [1][2][3].
[1] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/economy/baykar-to-establish-new-production-hub-in-samsun/2266552 [2] https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2022/05/16/turkeys-baykar-to-build-new-production-hub-in-samsun/ [3] https://www.defense-aerospace.com/article-view/world/turkey/baykar-to-build-new-production-facility-in-samsun-102862/ [4] https://www.turkishminute.com/2021/05/19/turkey-marks-the-102nd-anniversary-of-ataturks-arrival-in-samsun/ [5] https://www.aa.com.tr/en/turkey/turkey-honors-samsun-with-medal-for-contributions-to-nation/2250651
Sports enthusiasts in Samsun can anticipate a newer dimension as Baykar's advanced technology, pioneered in manufacturing unmanned aerial vehicles, might soon find application in sports technology, strengthening the city's position as the hub for both defense and sports innovations. With this convergence of technology and sports, Samsun could potentially establish itself as a global sports tech destination, attracting international athletes, investors, and tech companies.
