An agreement on partnership in unmanned technologies has been signed between Baykar and the Italian defense company Leonardo. Baykar’s Chairman of the Board Bayraktar stated, “With the synergy created by Baykar and Leonardo, a capacity to enhance the future of aviation warfare in every sense is established. Additionally, a joint defense ecosystem has been formed.”

Evaluating the agreement signed with Leonardo, the European defense industry giant, in Rome, Baykar’s Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar offered insights into the expectations of the agreement. When asked about the cooperation’s goals, Bayraktar expressed, “Baykar is the world’s largest unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developer and manufacturer, exporting to 36 countries and generating over ninety percent of its revenue from exports. Leonardo also has a significant infrastructure for developing future technologies related to artificial intelligence, ranging from defense systems in other areas to unmanned systems that serve as a force multiplier with sensors extending from radars to payloads. Now, with the synergy created by Baykar and Leonardo, a complete capability to enhance the future of aviation warfare has emerged. Moreover, a joint defense ecosystem has been established.”

Bayraktar highlighted the ongoing intensive efforts towards collaboration and the signing of a letter of intent. He mentioned that the agreement goes beyond being limited to Akıncı IHA and encompasses all platforms such as Bayraktar, TB2, TB3, KIZILELMA, and other lightweight smart platforms.

Selçuk Bayraktar also emphasized that the collaboration with Italy will strengthen the relationship between Turkey and Europe in the defense sector. He underlined the importance of technological collaboration between countries in various fields and praised the partnership as a high-tech alliance aimed at making high technology more accessible globally.

Baykar General Manager Haluk Bayraktar referred to the partnership as the largest technology alliance in Europe, focusing on the UAV market set to reach 100 billion dollars within the next ten years. The agreement entails the development of new-generation unmanned systems supported by artificial intelligence and ventures into space areas.

Leonardo’s CEO Cingolani and Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar signed the partnership agreement for unmanned technologies at Leonardo’s headquarters in Rome. Cingolani expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, underlining that it is the result of intensive efforts over the past five months. The collaboration between the two companies is set to be profound and enduring, aiming to pave the way for advanced UAV production.

Baykar’s General Manager Haluk Bayraktar emphasized the company’s leadership in the global UAV export market and its ongoing success, making 1.8 billion dollars in exports by the year 2024. The partnership signifies a step forward in the development of a new generation of combat aircraft within the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP).

The joint venture between Baykar and Leonardo is seen as a significant step towards accelerating the supply in the European defense sector, contributing to the development of more advanced UAVs with enhanced capabilities, including artificial intelligence integration in sensors and algorithms.