LBA Systems unveiled the Astore Levante UCAV based on the Bayraktar TB3 marine UCAV, incorporating Leonardo’s onboard systems during the FIA 2026 exhibition.
Baykar and Leonardo’s JV, LBA Systems, unveiled the Astore Levante UCAV (Eastern Goshawk in Italian to reflect its nature as a Turkish-Italian development) during the Farnborough International Airshow 2026 as a Italian customisation of Bayraktar TB3 for the European market.
Astore Levante’s onboard systems will include Leonardo’s systems such as LEOSS-T EO/IR, BriteStorm integrated EW system, IFF428 Mod 4/5 IFF system, and SDR SRT-800 radio.
On the other hand, the UCAV will have other options such as the Gabbiano T-80UL rotating multi-function radar, the Osprey 30 multi-function AESA radar, the SAGE ESM system, and the ULISSES sonobuoy processing system.
The weaponry remains Turkish-made, including MAM-C/L/T glide munitions, CİRİT laser-guided missile, UAV-122 short-range aeroballistic missile, and KEMANKEŞ 1 loitering munition. All of the displayed weapons have been tested from Bayraktar TB3, with CİRİT being the most recent one and a possible route for persistent and airborne C-UAS capabilities through its dedicated variant. However, foreign weaponry integration should not be ruled out considering the fact that Astore Levante is aimed at the European market.
Astore Levante is expected to be fielded on Italy’s ITS Cavour carrier and possibly the ITS Trieste LHD, as Bayraktar TB3 has proven itself to be capable of operating from the shorter TCG Anadolu (L400) LHD of the Turkish Navy.
While Italy’s stance on how Astore Levante will be used has not been stated explicitly, it is possible to take some notes from the Turkish Navy, which demonstrated Bayraktar TB3’s armed ISR capabilities and unmanned-unmanned teaming with USVs (See team-up tests with PİRANA and ALBATROS USVs). In addition to this, Leonardo’s ULISSES sonobuoy processing system being repeatedly pitched alongside the UCAV means that the Italian Navy is considering supportive use in anti-submarine warfare thanks to the long endurance that a helicopter can not match.
Beyond this, Astore Levante has a possibility of making it to airfields despite its roots as a marine UCAV for ramp-assisted STOL operation. It is known that the Turkish Land Forces have acquired the UCAV, which would offer improved takeoff/landing distance compared to the Bayraktar TB2.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
