An agreement on a partnership in unmanned technologies has been signed between Baykar and the Italian defense company Leonardo. Baykar Chairman Bayraktar stated, “The synergy between Baykar and Leonardo will create the ability to significantly enhance the future aviation combat in a sense. This will also establish a common defense ecosystem.”

Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar evaluated the agreement signed with the European defense industry giant Leonardo in Rome. When asked about the expectations regarding the agreement, Bayraktar mentioned, “Baykar is the world’s largest developer and producer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It is a leading institution that exports UAVs to 36 countries, earning more than ninety percent of its revenues from exports. In addition, Leonardo has a strong infrastructure for developing future technologies related to artificial intelligence, ranging from defense systems in other areas of the defense industry to unmanned systems that act as force multipliers, from radar to useful loads and sensors. Now, with the synergy that will be created by Baykar and Leonardo, the capability to significantly enhance the future aviation combat in a sense has emerged. And at the same time, a common defense ecosystem has also been established.”

Bayraktar, speaking about the collaboration’s goals, stated, “Of course, it includes developing common platforms and uniting complementary capabilities, especially focusing on UAVs and related systems in Europe, as well as developing light platforms including smart light platforms. Additionally, efforts will be made concerning the unmanned combat aircraft KIZILELMA that represents the future of combat.”

The collaboration is not limited to AKINCI Italian It would work on other platforms as well, Bayraktar responded, “Of course, initially AKINCI is particularly prominent, but it is not limited to that alone. We are talking about a collaboration on all platforms such as Bayraktar TB3, Bayraktar, TB2, and the development of light intelligent platforms ranging from mini intelligent cruise missiles to different variants of Kemankeş to other light intelligent platforms. Moreover, as the efforts continue, the goal is to start the service of today from our short-runway ship the TCG Anadolu. We are continuing the studies currently, while production is underway alongside. The land version is already coming off the production line. On the other hand, we had already started the production variant of the sea version. We aim to start the service within this year.”

Italian Navy’s recently commissioned amphibious ship Trieste could have a keen interest in the Bayraktar TB3 UAV that can take off and land from short-runway ships, Bayraktar responded, “I think they would be interested. Because the Bayraktar TB3 is the first platform in the world that can take off and land from short-runway ships. It will be a huge force multiplier when it starts its mission. We are aiming to start the duty of our short-runway ship TCG Anadolu this year. The studies are ongoing, and the production continues at the same time.”

Leonardo’s CEO Roberto Cingolani expressed his views regarding the collaboration. He mentioned that he expects more electronic, sensor technology, especially artificial intelligence, and algorithm integration for the UAVs produced by Baykar. These developments will allow for the production of much more advanced UAVs that can perform different tasks. Cingolani emphasized that starting this process as soon as possible is critical due to the very high demand for UAVs across Europe while the supply remains insufficient.