Italy’s Leonardo signals rapid progress in collaboration with Türkiye’s Baykar
Adolfo Urso, Minister of Made in Italy, Stefano Pontecorvo, Chairman of Leonardo S.p.A., and their accompanying delegation during his visit to the Ozdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center. (Photo via X / @BaykarTech)
Italy’s leading aerospace and defense company, Leonardo, has indicated that its collaboration with Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar is progressing swiftly, according to the company’s chairman, Stefano Pontecorvo.
Leonardo chairman confirms fast-moving partnership
At an event in Genoa showcasing Leonardo’s new digital archives, Pontecorvo addressed the potential partnership between Leonardo and Baykar.
When asked about the pace of progress, he emphasized the urgency of the defense industry, stating, “There is no room for delays in defense anymore. The era of empty words is over.”
Leonardo’s CEO, Roberto Cingolani, is reportedly taking swift action regarding the collaboration. “He moves like a Formula 1 car, so yes, this process will advance quickly,” Pontecorvo said.
Baykar’s position in the defense industry
Last week, Pontecorvo visited Baykar‘s production facilities in Istanbul, highlighting the company’s success. “Baykar is managed by extremely competent individuals. If it weren’t an exceptional company, it wouldn’t have reached an industry-leading position in just 12 years,” he remarked.
While Leonardo has no direct ties to Piaggio Aerospace, which Baykar recently acquired, the Italian firm is closely monitoring the situation. “Since we aim to partner with the Turks, it is only natural that we keep a close eye on such a prestigious Italian company,” Pontecorvo added.
Potential collaboration with Piaggio Aerospace
In an interview with the Genoa-based newspaper Il Secolo XIX, Pontecorvo hinted at upcoming developments regarding Piaggio Aerospace. “Soon, we will receive very positive news about potential cooperation with the Piaggio firm acquired by the Turks.”
“Baykar is a global leader, and we are in talks to establish a working relationship. If successful, it will mark a significant comeback for the region,” Pontecorvo said.
Leonardo and Baykar eye future drone collaboration
Leonardo has expressed clear intentions to collaborate with Baykar in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector.
In a previous interview with Anadolu Agency in January, Leonardo’s CEO Cingolani stated: “Leonardo’s technologies and Baykar’s technologies are highly complementary. If we collaborate, we can achieve a breakthrough in unmanned systems and expand into new markets, particularly in Europe.”
Italian government approves Piaggio Aerospace sale
The partnership discussions follow the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy’s approval of Piaggio Aerospace’s sale to Baykar on December 27, 2024.
The acquisition marks a significant milestone for the Turkish defense industry as it expands its presence in the European market.
