Italy’s Leonardo and Türkiye’s Baykar join forces to supply drones for European armies
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On March 6, 2025, the Turkish company Baykar and Italian firm Leonardo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Rome to establish a Joint Venture for the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The agreement integrates Baykar’s experience in unmanned platforms with Leonardo’s expertise in mission systems, payloads, and certification. The new entity, headquartered in Italy, will work towards expanding the presence of unmanned systems in European and global defense markets.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Joint Venture aims to address this demand by combining both companies’ expertise in UAVs, electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), artificial intelligence, and integrated mission systems. (Picture source: Italian MoD)
Leonardo projects that the European market for unmanned fighters, armed surveillance drones, and deep-strike drones will reach approximately $100 billion over the next decade. The Joint Venture aims to address this demand by combining both companies’ expertise in UAVs, electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), artificial intelligence, and integrated mission systems. The partnership also seeks to ensure interoperability within multi-domain operational environments.
Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, stated that the agreement creates a new entity focused on unmanned technologies, which are expected to play an increasing role in defense. He noted that technological cooperation is necessary to address challenges such as artificial intelligence, sixth-generation fighters, cybersecurity, and space. Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman and CTO of Baykar, described the collaboration as an expansion of Baykar’s technological capabilities, with Leonardo contributing expertise in C4I systems and artificial intelligence. He added that the partnership will focus on AI-driven unmanned aerial systems.
The Leonardo facilities involved in the Joint Venture’s activities include Ronchi dei Legionari in Friuli, a center specializing in unmanned technologies; Torino for production; Roma Tiburtina for integrated multi-domain technology development; and Nerviano for space-related joint solutions. The Joint Venture’s first focus will be adapting Baykar’s high-altitude, heavy-lift Akinci drone to European standards and operational requirements, with additional plans to explore other UAV platforms such as the Bayraktar TB2, TB3, and the Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet. The partnership will also include work on mini smart cruise missiles and loitering munitions.
Leonardo and Baykar’s partnership aligns with broader European defense initiatives, where unmanned technologies are increasingly prioritized. While the Eurodrone Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) program is being developed by European aerospace firms, Leonardo and Baykar representatives have clarified that their Joint Venture will operate in separate market segments and will not compete directly with Eurodrone.
In December 2024, Baykar acquired Italian aircraft manufacturer Piaggio Aerospace, potentially expanding its industrial capabilities in Europe. The acquisition could also serve as a production base for future UAV manufacturing. Additionally, Baykar is investing $300 million to develop indigenous jet engines to reduce reliance on external suppliers. The company has also announced plans to build a UAV production facility in Ukraine, expected to be operational by August 2025.
Reports indicate that the Italian Army is considering acquiring 1,300 drones, potentially through a Baykar-Leonardo collaboration involving Piaggio Aerospace. While no official confirmation has been made, the potential deal aligns with Italy’s broader efforts to enhance its unmanned capabilities amid increasing demand for UAVs in Europe. This aligns with previous statements suggesting that each major unit of the Italian Army could receive 100 drones, further reinforcing speculation about the scale of the potential acquisition.
This partnership is expected to contribute to defense cooperation between Türkiye and Italy, with applications beyond unmanned systems. Both companies view the Joint Venture as an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s UAV industry while ensuring compatibility with NATO and European defense strategies. Further details on product integration and operational deployment are anticipated within 18 months.
Baykar’s collaboration with Leonardo also aligns with the company’s efforts to expand its presence in the European defense market. The company has exported UAVs to 36 countries, including NATO members such as Poland. In addition to UAV development, the partnership is expected to explore synergies in the space sector, leveraging both firms’ existing capabilities.
Baykar’s CEO Haluk Bayraktar has emphasized that the partnership supports broader trends in autonomous warfare, with unmanned combat aircraft expected to take on roles traditionally performed by manned fighters. He stated that Baykar is focused on autonomous, air-to-air combat-capable drones and anticipates a shift in aerial warfare over the next several decades. The Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet, which conducted its first flight in 2022, is expected to be a key component of future collaborations with Leonardo.
The agreement comes at a time when Europe is reassessing its defense industry priorities. The UK, Italy, and Japan recently announced a Joint Venture under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a next-generation stealth fighter. While Leonardo’s collaboration with Baykar is not directly related to GCAP, both companies have stated that future UAV developments could be compatible with GCAP’s requirements.
Leonardo has been positioning itself as a key European player in unmanned systems, and its partnership with Baykar reflects a broader effort to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities. As European nations increase defense spending, the Joint Venture is expected to provide advanced unmanned solutions suited to regional operational needs.
As Baykar and Leonardo move forward, industry analysts anticipate that the first product, a version of the Akinci UAV integrated with Leonardo’s mission systems, will be operational within 18 months. The collaboration is also expected to facilitate the integration of advanced AI technologies into unmanned platforms, reinforcing Europe’s focus on autonomous warfare. The establishment of production and research facilities in Italy further indicates the long-term strategic significance of the Joint Venture within the European defense sector.
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On March 6, 2025, the Turkish company Baykar and Italian firm Leonardo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Rome to establish a Joint Venture for the development of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The agreement integrates Baykar’s experience in unmanned platforms with Leonardo’s expertise in mission systems, payloads, and certification. The new entity, headquartered in Italy, will work towards expanding the presence of unmanned systems in European and global defense markets.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The Joint Venture aims to address this demand by combining both companies’ expertise in UAVs, electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), artificial intelligence, and integrated mission systems. (Picture source: Italian MoD)
Leonardo projects that the European market for unmanned fighters, armed surveillance drones, and deep-strike drones will reach approximately $100 billion over the next decade. The Joint Venture aims to address this demand by combining both companies’ expertise in UAVs, electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), artificial intelligence, and integrated mission systems. The partnership also seeks to ensure interoperability within multi-domain operational environments.
Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, stated that the agreement creates a new entity focused on unmanned technologies, which are expected to play an increasing role in defense. He noted that technological cooperation is necessary to address challenges such as artificial intelligence, sixth-generation fighters, cybersecurity, and space. Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman and CTO of Baykar, described the collaboration as an expansion of Baykar’s technological capabilities, with Leonardo contributing expertise in C4I systems and artificial intelligence. He added that the partnership will focus on AI-driven unmanned aerial systems.
The Leonardo facilities involved in the Joint Venture’s activities include Ronchi dei Legionari in Friuli, a center specializing in unmanned technologies; Torino for production; Roma Tiburtina for integrated multi-domain technology development; and Nerviano for space-related joint solutions. The Joint Venture’s first focus will be adapting Baykar’s high-altitude, heavy-lift Akinci drone to European standards and operational requirements, with additional plans to explore other UAV platforms such as the Bayraktar TB2, TB3, and the Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet. The partnership will also include work on mini smart cruise missiles and loitering munitions.
Leonardo and Baykar’s partnership aligns with broader European defense initiatives, where unmanned technologies are increasingly prioritized. While the Eurodrone Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) program is being developed by European aerospace firms, Leonardo and Baykar representatives have clarified that their Joint Venture will operate in separate market segments and will not compete directly with Eurodrone.
In December 2024, Baykar acquired Italian aircraft manufacturer Piaggio Aerospace, potentially expanding its industrial capabilities in Europe. The acquisition could also serve as a production base for future UAV manufacturing. Additionally, Baykar is investing $300 million to develop indigenous jet engines to reduce reliance on external suppliers. The company has also announced plans to build a UAV production facility in Ukraine, expected to be operational by August 2025.
Reports indicate that the Italian Army is considering acquiring 1,300 drones, potentially through a Baykar-Leonardo collaboration involving Piaggio Aerospace. While no official confirmation has been made, the potential deal aligns with Italy’s broader efforts to enhance its unmanned capabilities amid increasing demand for UAVs in Europe. This aligns with previous statements suggesting that each major unit of the Italian Army could receive 100 drones, further reinforcing speculation about the scale of the potential acquisition.
This partnership is expected to contribute to defense cooperation between Türkiye and Italy, with applications beyond unmanned systems. Both companies view the Joint Venture as an opportunity to strengthen Europe’s UAV industry while ensuring compatibility with NATO and European defense strategies. Further details on product integration and operational deployment are anticipated within 18 months.
Baykar’s collaboration with Leonardo also aligns with the company’s efforts to expand its presence in the European defense market. The company has exported UAVs to 36 countries, including NATO members such as Poland. In addition to UAV development, the partnership is expected to explore synergies in the space sector, leveraging both firms’ existing capabilities.
Baykar’s CEO Haluk Bayraktar has emphasized that the partnership supports broader trends in autonomous warfare, with unmanned combat aircraft expected to take on roles traditionally performed by manned fighters. He stated that Baykar is focused on autonomous, air-to-air combat-capable drones and anticipates a shift in aerial warfare over the next several decades. The Kizilelma unmanned fighter jet, which conducted its first flight in 2022, is expected to be a key component of future collaborations with Leonardo.
The agreement comes at a time when Europe is reassessing its defense industry priorities. The UK, Italy, and Japan recently announced a Joint Venture under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to develop a next-generation stealth fighter. While Leonardo’s collaboration with Baykar is not directly related to GCAP, both companies have stated that future UAV developments could be compatible with GCAP’s requirements.
Leonardo has been positioning itself as a key European player in unmanned systems, and its partnership with Baykar reflects a broader effort to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities. As European nations increase defense spending, the Joint Venture is expected to provide advanced unmanned solutions suited to regional operational needs.
As Baykar and Leonardo move forward, industry analysts anticipate that the first product, a version of the Akinci UAV integrated with Leonardo’s mission systems, will be operational within 18 months. The collaboration is also expected to facilitate the integration of advanced AI technologies into unmanned platforms, reinforcing Europe’s focus on autonomous warfare. The establishment of production and research facilities in Italy further indicates the long-term strategic significance of the Joint Venture within the European defense sector.
