“Skybound Innovation: The Dynamic Collaboration of Leonardo and Baykar in Advanced Drone Technology”
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was finalized today between Baykar Technologies and Leonardo for the progression of unmanned systems technology.
This agreement is based on the industrial collaborations and complementary strengths of both companies within the unmanned arena. The Joint Venture, with its base in Italy, encompasses the design, innovation, production, and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems.
This partnership will capitalize on Baykar’s leading-edge unmanned platforms, recognized for their operational effectiveness across various global markets, in conjunction with Leonardo’s expertise in mission systems, payload design, and pertinent aerospace certification in Europe. The anticipated market for Europe in the next decade, which includes unmanned combat aircraft, armed reconnaissance drones, and deep-strike UAVs, is forecasted to reach $100 billion.
Both enterprises, actively participating in the development and manufacture of UAVs, electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), Artificial Intelligence, integrated mission systems, space technology, and services, will ensure seamless compatibility within multi-domain environments.
Through this collaboration, Leonardo and Baykar plan to jointly explore opportunities in European and international markets while also maximizing additional synergies within the space sector.
“With Baykar,” states Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, “we are establishing a new benchmark player in unmanned technologies, expected to adopt a more pivotal role in the future of Defense. Today, we are formalizing a new global partnership that signifies significant advancements in unmanned systems, revealing new market opportunities, particularly in Europe. The defense landscape is facing unprecedented challenges, such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, sixth-generation aircraft, cybersecurity, and space. In this scenario, we believe that technological partnerships are both vital and urgent to accelerate growth and ensure global stability.”
Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman and CTO of Baykar, commented: “As the world leader in armed UAV development, production, and export, Baykar has continuously sought to broaden the frontiers of innovation in unmanned aviation. Leonardo’s internationally recognized expertise in C4I systems and its advanced AI technology framework enhance the influence of this collaboration. This strategic partnership with Leonardo marks a crucial milestone in expanding our technological presence and improving our global impact. Baykar will integrate ethical AI-driven solutions with Leonardo’s extensive knowledge in AI technologies to create next-generation offerings that will redefine the future of unmanned aerial systems. This synergy will ultimately achieve pioneering AI-driven air supremacy for the future.”
The facilities of Leonardo involved in the initiatives brought forth by the Joint Venture will be those located in Ronchi dei Legionari (Friuli), a specialized hub in the unmanned sector; Torino (Piedmont) and Roma Tiburtina, concentrating on production aspects and the evolution of integrated multi-domain technologies; and Nerviano (Lombardy) for the collaboratively developed solutions catered to the space sector.
