Greece will prepare a formal protest against Italy over Turkish defense contractor Baykar’s acquisition of Italian aircraft manufacturer Piaggio Aerospace, the Ekathimerini news website reported.
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This comes days after Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis had high-level talks with French President Emmanuel Macron over potential sales of Meteor air-to-air missiles to Ankara.
Piaggio Aerospace develops, builds and supports aircraft and aero-engines.
The sale of Piaggio Aerospace was approved by the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
Greece has formally accused Italy of violating EU regulations, specifically EU Regulation 2019/452, by approving Turkish defense contractor Baykar’s acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace without notifying other EU member states.
Greek officials say the sale fell under Article 7 since Baykar’s control of Piaggio, a manufacturer of surveillance aircraft and engines, could strengthen Turkey’s military position in regions such as the Aegean, where tensions over maritime control between Athens and Ankara run high.
The deal undermines EU solidarity, according to Greek authorities, who point to continuous Turkish threats on Greek sovereignty.
The acquisition means Baykar will oversee the production of some F-35 fighter jet components through Piaggio Aerospace, formerly Piaggio Aero Industries, which manufactures turbine engine vanes for the aircraft.
Piaggio Aerospace has long produced parts for Pratt & Whitney’s F135 engine, which powers the F-35 fighter jets.
While Turkey was removed from the F-35 fifth generation fighter jet program for purchasing Russia’s S-400 long-range air defense system, Baykar’s ownership has compounded concerns about possible access to sensitive technology.
Italy justifies the sale as legally sound, saving an ailing company.
The Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy defends the deal, which includes Baykar’s investment pledge of €200 million as one that saves 1,200 jobs and revives the production of aircraft such as the P. 180 Avanti.
Greek officials say European defense cooperation must be transparent, particularly when it involves Turkey, a NATO member with contentious relations in the region. ■