Airbus in Talks With Türkiye on Space Collaboration, Executive Says

Airbus Defense and Space is in talks with Türkiye's scientific council on potential joint space ventures, an Airbus executive has said, according to Anadolu Agency. The discussions reportedly cover lunar exploration, crewed spaceflight and satellite communications.

Airbus Defense and Space is the defence and space division of European aerospace group Airbus, and one of the continent's largest suppliers of satellites, launch systems and space infrastructure. Its potential partner, Türkiye's scientific council, plays a central role in coordinating the country's research and technology programmes, including its space ambitions.

Türkiye has been expanding its space sector in recent years, pursuing satellite manufacturing capability, its own launch programme and international partnerships aimed at building domestic expertise in orbital and lunar technology. Collaboration with an established European aerospace firm such as Airbus would offer access to established satellite and space systems expertise as Ankara looks to grow its presence in the sector.

Satellite communications has become an area of strategic interest for many governments, given its applications in defence, broadcasting and broadband connectivity in remote areas. Crewed spaceflight and lunar exploration remain more distant ambitions, typically requiring international partnerships given their cost and technical complexity.

No timeline or financial details of the discussions between Airbus and Türkiye's scientific council were disclosed.