Grottaglie: Aerospace Future
Grottaglie, a center of aerospace innovation, hosts a joint venture between Leonardo and Baykar Technologies for the production of advanced drones.

Grottaglie, located in the province of Taranto, is emerging as a nerve center of aerospace innovation. It is not just a fascinating tourist destination but is becoming a symbol of technological progress. The Leonardo facility in Grottaglie is at the heart of a new and important collaboration between Italy and Turkey, marking a significant step in the aerospace sector.
Leonardo, a global leader in the aerospace industry, has recently signed a joint venture with Baykar Technologies, a Turkish company specializing in the development of drones and remotely piloted systems. This alliance was announced during the prestigious International Paris Air Show, an event that brings together the main players in the aviation and aerospace sector.
Grottaglie's contribution to this project is crucial. The facility will be dedicated to the production of advanced composite materials, essential for the construction of next-generation drones. Drone technology is becoming increasingly central for both civil applications and security and defense needs.
In total, four facilities in Italy and Turkey will be involved in this project, but Grottaglie will play a particularly significant role. The agreement also stipulates that Leonardo will provide electronic systems and payloads, which are the useful loads carried by drones, such as sensors, cameras, and communication tools. These advanced technologies make drones more precise, safe, and effective.
For tourists visiting Puglia, knowing that Grottaglie is part of an international technological network enriches the travel experience. In addition to its famous artistic ceramics and rich cultural historic center, Grottaglie presents itself as a city looking towards the future. Tech tourism enthusiasts can find here a concrete example of how a city in Southern Italy can be globally competitive.
Moreover, the Leonardo facility in Grottaglie is already known for its participation in the production of fuselages for the Boeing 787, another example of Italian excellence. With this new collaboration, Grottaglie confirms its importance in the global aerospace landscape. The presence of international-level tech companies can also contribute to the tourist development of the area, creating new opportunities and strengthening the city's identity.
If you are planning a trip to Puglia, including Grottaglie in your itinerary can offer you a different perspective: not just sea, art, and good food, but also innovation, technology, and the future. Grottaglie is easily reachable from both Brindisi and Taranto, making it a great stop for those who love to discover the lesser-known faces of Puglia.
The city thus demonstrates its ability to unite tradition and modernity: it is a meeting point between artisanal culture and high-tech industry, between history and new frontiers of flight. A trip to Grottaglie today is also a journey into the future, where the passion for innovation blends with the cultural and artistic heritage of the region.