The agreement between Leonardo and Baykar Makina was signed in Rome on March 6. The document is intended to be the first step toward establishing an Italian-Turkish Joint Venture, specializing in the production of large unmanned aerial systems (UAS). As a result of this cooperation, a new platform will be developed, based on Baykar’s airframe, which will be equipped with systems and weaponry supplied by Leonardo.
Under the agreement signed by Selçuk Bayraktar and Roberto Cingolani, both companies aim to compete together in the European market for unmanned systems and sixth-generation aircraft, which is estimated to be worth €100 billion / Photo: Leonardo
“With Baykar – says Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo – we are creating a new reference player in unmanned technologies, which will play an increasingly central role in the future of Defense. Today, we are signing a new international alliance that marks a significant leap forward in unmanned systems, opening up new market opportunities, particularly in Europe. The defense industry is facing unprecedented challenges, such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, sixth-generation fighters, cybersecurity, and space. In this context, we are convinced that technological cooperation is both necessary and urgent to accelerate progress and ensure global security.”
As MILMAG Editorial Team has learned, new MALE-class (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) platforms with enhanced capabilities are being developed. The first project will be based on the Bayraktar Akıncı, a 12-meter UAV with a takeoff weight of 5.5 tons. The unmanned system will be equipped with communication systems, artificial intelligence elements, reconnaissance pods, and advanced weapon systems, which Leonardo will supply and certify.
Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman and CTO of Baykar, stated: “As the global leader in armed UAV development, production, and export in the world, Baykar has always focused on pushing the boundaries of innovation in unmanned aviation. Leonardo’s globally renowned capability in C4I systems and its advanced AI technology backbone make this collaboration even more impactful. This strategic partnership with Leonardo marks a significant milestone in expanding our technological footprint and strengthening our presence in the world. Baykar will combine ethical AI-driven technologies together with Leonardo’s immense capability in the AI technologies to develop next-generation solutions that will define the future of unmanned aerial systems. Together, this synergy will bring ultimate AI-driven air supremacy for the future.”
Selçuk Bayraktar, responding to a question from MILMAG Editorial Team regarding the lessons learned from operations in Ukraine, emphasized that Baykar has gained significant experience through its long-standing cooperation with Ukrainian forces. He highlighted that during the war, Bayraktar TB2 UAVs helped save many lives, and the company is currently building production facilities in Kyiv
The new joint venture now plans to offer its products not only to the European market but also globally. The integration of technologies from both partners and the development of initial solutions are expected to take 12 to 18 months, according to current estimates. Of this, six months will be dedicated to system unification, while the remaining time will focus on developing a demonstrator, most likely based on the Bayraktar Akıncı airframe. It is also possible that the newly developed unmanned system could be integrated with sixth-generation fighter aircraft currently being developed under the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).
