“Revolutionizing the Skies: Leonardo and Baykar Unite for Advanced Unmanned Technologies”
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was finalized today between Baykar Technologies and Leonardo for the advancement of unmanned technologies.
The accord is founded on the industrial synergies and complementary strengths of the two firms within the unmanned domain. The Joint Venture, headquartered in Italy, encompasses the design, development, manufacturing, and upkeep of unmanned aerial systems.
This collaboration will utilize Baykar’s industry-leading unmanned platforms, known for their operational efficiency across diverse global markets, alongside Leonardo’s specialization in mission systems, payload configuration, and relevant aerospace certification in Europe. The European market for the upcoming decade, which includes unmanned combat aircraft, armed reconnaissance drones, and deep-strike UAVs, is anticipated to attain $100 billion.
Both organizations, actively involved in the creation and production of UAVs, electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), Artificial Intelligence, integrated mission systems, space technology, and services, will guarantee seamless interoperability within multi-domain environments.
Through this partnership, Leonardo and Baykar aim to collaboratively explore opportunities in both European and international markets, while also leveraging additional synergies within the space sector.
“With Baykar – states Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo – we are establishing a new reference player in unmanned technologies, expected to assume a more central role in the future of Defense. Today, we are formalizing a new international alliance that signifies a considerable advancement in unmanned systems, unveiling new market prospects, particularly in Europe. The defense sector is confronting unparalleled challenges, such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, sixth-generation aircraft, cybersecurity, and space. In this context, we believe that technological collaboration is both essential and urgent to expedite progress and secure global stability.”
Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman and CTO of Baykar, remarked: “As the global front-runner in armed UAV creation, manufacturing, and export, Baykar has consistently aimed to expand the horizons of innovation in unmanned aviation. Leonardo’s globally acclaimed expertise in C4I systems and its advanced AI technology framework amplify the impact of this partnership. This strategic collaboration with Leonardo is a pivotal milestone in broadening our technological presence and enhancing our global footprint. Baykar will merge ethical AI-driven solutions with Leonardo’s extensive proficiency in AI technologies to innovate next-generation offerings that will shape the future of unmanned aerial systems. This synergy will achieve ultimate AI-driven air supremacy for the future.”
The Leonardo facilities engaged in the initiatives developed by the Joint Venture will be those in Ronchi dei Legionari (Friuli), a specialist hub in the unmanned sector; Torino (Piedmont) and Roma Tiburtina, focusing on production elements and the advancement of integrated multi-domain technologies; and Nerviano (Lombardy) for the co-created solutions offered for the space domain.
