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 on Monday.
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.
Prime Minister Mitsotakis met with President Macron on February 8 at an EU summit, bringing up France’s possible sale of Meteor air-to-air missiles to Turkey amid regional security concerns.
Macron confirmed discussions about the missile sale are ongoing but said no final agreement has been reached.
Greece says the sale violates the 2021 Franco-Greek defense agreement requiring consultations on security matters between both sides. Athens warns the Meteor missiles and Turkey’s planned purchase of 40 Eurofighter jets could shift military power in the eastern Mediterranean.
While Macron assured Mitsotakis that discussions regarding Meteor missile sales were ongoing and not yet finalized, he mentioned the UK’s crucial role in the decision-making process. Meanwhile, Germany has eased its arms export restrictions to Turkey.
The two leaders will address defense cooperation at an Artificial Intelligence Summit in Paris on February 10.
EU member states continue defense deals with Turkey despite Greek objections. Germany has a €2.5 billion contract to deliver six Type 214 submarines and has approved talks for selling 40 Eurofighter jets to Turkey.
Spain helped build Turkey’s naval fleet flag ship TCG Anadolu, an amphibious assault ship now serving also as a drone carrier. British defense contracts with Turkey have reached €2.2 billion in the past decade.
Italian aerospace company Leonardo seeks closer ties with Baykar on drone development, adding to Greece’s concerns about European arms deals with Turkey.