Turkish Baykar and Italian Leonardo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a Joint Venture for unmanned aerial systems in Rome. The agreement covers unmanned platforms from Baykar and mission systems and payloads and certification from Leonardo.
Leonardo declared in a press release that the European market will cover unmanned fighters, armed surveillance drones, and deep-strike drones for the next ten years. The company expects this business to reach $ 100 billion.
Both companies, currently engaged in developing and producing UAVs, electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), Artificial Intelligence, integrated mission systems, space equipment, and services, will ensure interoperability within multi-domain ecosystems.
Leonardo and Baykar aim to jointly pursue opportunities in both the European and international markets, capitalizing on additional synergies in the space sector through this agreement.
“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 Defence. 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 defence industry faces unprecedented challenges, such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, sixth-generation fighters, cybersecurity, and space. In this context, we are convinced that technological cooperation is necessary and urgent to accelerate progress and ensure global security.”
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 makes this collaboration even more impactful. This strategic partnership with Leonardo marks a significant milestone in expanding our technological footprint and strengthening our global presence. Baykar will combine ethical AI-driven technologies together with Leonardo’s immense capability in AI technologies to develop next-generation solutions that will define the future of unmanned aerial systems. This synergy will bring ultimate AI-driven air supremacy for the future.”
