Turkish Baykar, Italy’s Leonardo Launch JV Named LBA Systems

Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle manufacturer Baykar and Italian defense giant Leonardo have officially launched their joint venture, LBA Systems, marking a significant milestone in European defense cooperation. The agreement, “Turkish Baykar, Italy’s Leonardo Launch JV Named LBA Systems”, was signed during the International Paris Airshow by Selçuk Bayraktar, Baykar’s chairperson and CTO, and Roberto Cingolani, Leonardo’s CEO, establishing equal shareholding between the two industry leaders.

Addressing NATO’s Eastern Wing Defense Capabilities

The partnership specifically targets the development of next-generation unmanned systems to address critical gaps in NATO and European drone capabilities. Cingolani emphasized the strategic importance of strengthening NATO’s eastern wing, stating that Europe and allied countries like Turkiye must create stronger business models and develop advanced technologies to maintain alliance stability.

TB3 and Akıncı Platforms Lead Initial Development

Work will commence immediately on Baykar’s proven Bayraktar TB3 and Akıncı drone platforms, integrating Leonardo’s advanced payload systems and radar technologies. The companies plan to achieve a successful aircraft carrier landing demonstration with the Italian Navy by year-end, showcasing the enhanced capabilities of their collaborative technology integration.

Four Italian Production Facilities Planned

Leonardo will establish production capabilities across four strategic Italian locations, including Ronchi dei Legionari as the unmanned systems center of excellence, Turin for engineering and certification, Rome’s Tiburtina facility for integrated multidimensional technologies, and Grottaglie for advanced composite materials manufacturing. The certification process for new systems is scheduled for completion by 2026.

Targeting European Market Expansion

The joint venture primarily focuses on the European market, which faces significant drone technology shortages. Baykar currently holds 60% of the global UAV export market, while Turkiye commands 65% of the international drone market, positioning the partnership to capitalize on growing European defense demands.

Leonardo’s Attraction to Baykar’s Capabilities

Cingolani expressed particular admiration for Baykar’s impressive production capabilities, describing the facilities as resembling “a city” rather than a traditional manufacturing plant. He highlighted Baykar’s workforce of hundreds of young professionals averaging 29 years old, massive production capacity, and near self-sufficiency in basic components and electronic sensing systems.

Future Collaboration Opportunities

Beyond unmanned systems, both companies are exploring expanded cooperation in space technology and other advanced defense sectors. Bayraktar indicated ongoing negotiations with Leonardo in space applications, emphasizing the importance of building strategic partnerships and aligned interests for global security enhancement.

Revolutionary Combat Systems Development

Baykar continues advancing its Kızılelma combat jet program, which Bayraktar claims will revolutionize aviation and air combat. The naval versions of both Kızılelma and Bayraktar TB3 are expected to transform naval air combat capabilities, representing significant technological leaps in unmanned warfare systems.

Strengthening Turkiye-Italy Defense Relations

The partnership reinforces existing ties between Turkiye and Italy while enhancing security cooperation between Turkiye and broader Europe. This collaboration comes during a period of significant technological and geostrategic changes worldwide, making alliance relationships crucial for global peace and stability.

International Market Positioning

Turkiye has emerged as the country with the most extensive international UAV cooperation network, working with numerous countries worldwide. The Leonardo partnership provides Baykar with enhanced access to Western European markets while offering Leonardo proven drone technology and manufacturing expertise.

Also read this: Turkish Drone CEO Predicts Shift To Unmanned Systems

Technology Integration and Innovation

The joint venture combines Baykar’s rapid production capabilities and innovative drone technologies with Leonardo’s advanced radar systems and payload technologies. This technological complementarity creates opportunities for comprehensive defense solutions addressing diverse military requirements across European and international markets.

The LBA Systems joint venture represents a strategic evolution in European defense cooperation, combining Turkish innovation with Italian manufacturing excellence to address critical unmanned systems requirements in an increasingly complex global security environment.

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