Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar gave an exclusive interview to Turkish Defense Hub during SAHA EXPO 2026 in Istanbul, underlining the growing importance of cooperation between Turkish defense companies in the fields of smart munitions, unmanned systems and integrated strike capabilities.
Speaking to Turkish Defense Hub reporter Semih Kır at the SAHA EXPO International Defence, Aerospace and Space Industry Exhibition, Bayraktar evaluated Baykar’s ongoing cooperation with ROKETSAN and emphasized that joint projects between Turkish defense companies are creating a significant impact on the battlefield.
SAHA EXPO 2026, organized by SAHA Istanbul, is being held at the Istanbul Expo Center between May 5 and 9, bringing together defense, aerospace and space companies from Türkiye and abroad. The event has become one of the key platforms where Turkish defense companies present new technologies, announce cooperation agreements and showcase combat-proven systems to international delegations.
Smart Munitions and Integrated Systems
In his remarks, Bayraktar pointed to the importance of Baykar’s cooperation with ROKETSAN, particularly in the field of smart munitions and integrated weapon systems.
According to Bayraktar, these joint efforts have created a clear operational advantage in the field. He stated that Türkiye’s defense industry is moving forward more strongly through such common projects, where platform manufacturers and munition developers work in close coordination.
This cooperation has been one of the defining features of Türkiye’s unmanned combat aviation success. ROKETSAN’s MAM family, including MAM-L, MAM-C and MAM-T, was developed for unmanned aerial vehicles, light attack aircraft and precision air-to-ground missions. These munitions are designed to provide high strike precision against fixed and moving targets.
Baykar Platforms Gain Firepower Through National Munitions
Baykar’s unmanned platforms have become more effective through the integration of national munitions developed by Turkish defense companies.
The Bayraktar AKINCI UCAV has successfully conducted firing tests with several indigenous munitions, including ROKETSAN-developed MAM-L, MAM-T, İHA-230 and ÇAKIR, as well as other Turkish precision-guided weapons. Baykar’s official statements note that the integration of national munitions into AKINCI continues successfully and expands the platform’s operational effectiveness and deterrence.
This integration model is strategically important because it enables Türkiye to offer not only unmanned aircraft, but also a complete strike ecosystem composed of platforms, sensors, guidance systems, smart munitions and mission software.
A Model for Türkiye’s Defense Industry
Bayraktar’s comments also point to a broader trend in the Turkish defense industry.
Instead of developing isolated products, Turkish companies are increasingly building integrated ecosystems. In this model, companies such as Baykar, ROKETSAN, ASELSAN, STM and others contribute different layers of capability, from airframes and avionics to munitions, electro-optical sensors, communication systems and mission software.
This approach allows Türkiye to reduce foreign dependency, accelerate platform development and respond faster to operational feedback from the field.
For Baykar and ROKETSAN, the cooperation has already become one of the most visible examples of this model. Baykar provides the unmanned aerial platforms, while ROKETSAN contributes precision-guided munitions that turn those platforms into effective strike assets.
Strategic Importance
Selçuk Bayraktar’s exclusive remarks to Turkish Defense Hub show that cooperation within Türkiye’s defense ecosystem remains central to the country’s growing role in modern warfare.
The combination of unmanned platforms and smart munitions has become one of the most decisive capability areas on today’s battlefield. By developing both sides of this equation domestically, Türkiye is strengthening its ability to deliver integrated and exportable defense solutions to friendly and allied countries.
At SAHA EXPO 2026, this message is especially significant. The exhibition is not only a showcase for individual products, but also a demonstration of how Turkish defense companies are building complete operational ecosystems together.
Baykar–ROKETSAN cooperation stands out as one of the clearest examples of this transformation.
