ISTANBUL

Turkish companies Titra and Buyutech signed a deal to integrate artificial intelligence-powered camera systems into a range of homegrown unmanned aerial vehicles, the firms announced at the IDEF 2025 defense fair in Istanbul.

Under the agreement, Buyutech will design, produce, and install high-performance imaging systems for several Titra UAVs, including the Alpin and Alpin-2 unmanned helicopters, the Deli kamikaze drone, the Pars observer drone, and Merkut FPV platforms developed by Titra’s defense subsidiary SAVX.

The technology aims to strengthen the drones’ surveillance and targeting capabilities by enabling advanced detection functions using AI.

The companies said the collaboration reflects Türkiye’s push to develop modular, autonomous, and fully domestic defense systems amid rising global demand for next-generation UAVs.

Buyutech, a key supplier to Türkiye’s automotive sector, has previously developed advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and cameras in partnership with carmakers including Togg, Ford Otosan, and Tofas.

The company plans to scale its annual camera production from 1 million to 3.5 million units in the near term, citing growing demand from the defense industry.

Buyutech co-founder and CEO Omer Orkun Duztas said the company is leveraging experience from the civilian sector to contribute to national security.

“Our ideal is to develop technologies that will make everyone feel more peaceful and secure -- we’re proud to bring the experience we gained in civilian sectors to ensure the security of our nation,” he said.

The new generation of AI-powered systems is expected to serve multiple platforms beyond the initial models covered in the agreement, the companies said.