Highlights of Türkiye’s Baykar, Italy’s Leonardo strategic partnership

Baykar Chairman Selcuk Bayraktar announced a partnership agreement with Italy’s leading aerospace and defense firm Leonardo, enhancing their capability to develop next-generation aerial warfare technologies and creating a joint defense ecosystem.

Baykar’s Chairman Bayraktar and Leonardo’s CEO Roberto Cingolani held a press conference in Rome following the signing of the agreement, where they provided insights into the collaboration and answered media questions.

A strategic collaboration for future warfare

Bayraktar highlighted Baykar‘s global leadership in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) development and its strong export-driven revenue model, with over 90% of its earnings coming from international markets.

“Baykar is the world’s largest UAV developer and manufacturer, exporting to 36 countries. Leonardo, on the other hand, has a strong defense infrastructure, including radar systems, sensors, and artificial intelligence technologies. The synergy between Baykar and Leonardo will enable the development of future air combat capabilities and establish a joint defense ecosystem,” Bayraktar stated.

The agreement builds on the companies’ ongoing efforts to integrate Leonardo’s radar systems into Baykar’s platforms.

Bayraktar noted that intensive discussions on potential collaboration had been ongoing for the past four to five months, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding.

Expanding cooperation beyond UAVs

Bayraktar elaborated on the scope of the cooperation, stating that the agreement would not be limited to a single UAV platform but would encompass various systems.

“The focus is initially on Akinci, but the collaboration extends to all platforms, including Bayraktar TB3, Bayraktar TB2, and Kizilelma. Additionally, the partnership will cover light smart platforms, such as mini cruise missiles and different variants of the Kemankes system,” he said.

Strengthening European defense ties

Bayraktar emphasized the broader implications of the partnership, particularly in the context of European defense dynamics.

“The geopolitical shifts we are witnessing are reshaping global balances. This close defense cooperation with Europe will contribute to a more balanced transition during this period of change. Türkiye has been one of Europe’s largest trading partners for years, and such collaborations in defense will further strengthen these ties. Eastern European countries and six NATO nations have already opted for Bayraktar TB2, and this partnership will extend that alliance across Europe,” he noted.

He also stressed that the cooperation was not solely about defense but also about technological advancements.

“This is a high-tech alliance, contributing to the global proliferation of advanced technologies. Our aim, under the National Technology Initiative, is to make high-tech innovations accessible worldwide,” Bayraktar said.

Production plans in Italy and Türkiye

Regarding production facilities, Bayraktar mentioned that various locations were being considered, including Leonardo’s extensive manufacturing network in Italy.

“We recently acquired Piaggio Aerospace, which has a significant production infrastructure in Italy. It could serve as a manufacturing hub. Leonardo has over 100 facilities worldwide, while Baykar operates more centralized campuses. We are currently evaluating the best approach for production in both Türkiye and Italy,” he explained.

Bayraktar TB3 to deploy from short-runway carriers

When asked about Italy’s interest in Bayraktar TB3, particularly for its short-runway carrier, Trieste, Bayraktar expressed optimism.

“We expect interest because Bayraktar TB3 is the world’s first UAV capable of taking off and landing on short-runway carriers. It will provide significant operational advantages. We aim to deploy it on Türkiye’s TCG Anadolu this year, and production is ongoing for both land and naval versions,” he said.

Regarding reports that the Italian military might purchase Baykar UAVs, Bayraktar clarified that no official request had been received yet.

Leonardo’s perspective on agreement

Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership for the European defense sector.

“We expect greater integration of electronics, sensor technologies, and artificial intelligence into Baykar’s UAVs. These advancements will enable the production of highly advanced UAVs with diverse capabilities. The demand for UAVs across Europe is high, but supply remains insufficient. This partnership presents a crucial opportunity to accelerate supply in the European defense sector,” Cingolani said.

Italian Defense Ministry welcomes agreement

Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto praised the partnership, highlighting its significance for international defense cooperation.

“I am very pleased with this agreement between Leonardo and Baykar, two leading defense companies leveraging their expertise in unmanned technologies. This collaboration represents a crucial step in strengthening operational and technological capabilities while contributing to global security and technological progress,” Crosetto stated.

The partnership agreement, signed in Rome, will facilitate joint production and development of UAVs, artificial intelligence, and space technologies, with the goal of expanding operations in both European and global markets.