Turkish UAV manufacturer Baykar is preparing for a joint production with the Italian defense company Leonardo. According to the Financial Times, the two companies are set to sign an agreement next week. It is stated that Baykar and Leonardo could develop a high-tech UAV together.

Baykar, Turkey’s UAV producer, is reportedly close to reaching an agreement on production partnership with the Italian defense group Leonardo. According to a report in the Financial Times, the two companies have sat down for a joint venture that could significantly increase Europe’s drone production capacity. A memorandum shaping the venture will be signed next week.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, the details of the Italian-Turkish partnership have not been finalized yet.

A HIGH-TECH UAV COULD BE IN THE WORKS The combination of Leonardo’s technology and Baykar’s platforms could lead to the development of a high-tech unmanned aerial vehicle. Baykar, which is among the leading companies in producing AI-supported drones, achieved a $1.8 billion export in 2023. As the biggest company in the world UAV export market, Baykar continued its global success in 2024 by earning 90% of its revenue from exports and marking a $1.8 billion export.

DEVELOPING A NEXT-GENERATION COMBAT AIRCRAFT Leonardo is involved in developing a next-generation combat aircraft under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP). The project also includes British BAE Systems and Japanese JAIEC. Baykar had recently acquired the Italian aviation giant Piaggio Aerospace. The company had also announced its intention to expand employment at Piaggio’s Italian facilities.