Baykar and Leonardo Sign Partnership Agreement in Unmanned Technologies
Baykar, the global leader in the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) export market, has signed a cooperation agreement with Leonardo, one of the world’s largest defense companies. Under the agreement, the two companies will jointly produce UAVs in Italy. Baykar’s advanced capabilities in UAV and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will combine with Leonardo’s expertise in mission systems, payloads, and certification processes. The partnership will also extend to space exploration.
A memorandum of understanding was signed between Baykar Technology and Leonardo for the development of unmanned technologies. The agreement is based on the industrial synergy between the two companies and their complementary strengths in the unmanned systems sector. A Joint Venture to be established in Italy will cover the design, development, production, and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems.
The signing ceremony took place at Leonardo’s headquarters in Rome, Italy, and was attended by Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. The memorandum was signed by Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar and Leonardo CEO and General Manager Roberto Cingolani.
The partnership will combine Baykar’s globally proven, industry-leading unmanned platforms with Leonardo’s expertise in mission systems, payload design, and aerospace and space certifications in Europe. Over the next decade, the European market for unmanned combat aircraft, armed UAVs, and offensive UAVs is expected to reach $100 billion.
Both companies are already active in unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), AI, integrated mission systems, space equipment, and services. This enables the seamless integration of multi-domain ecosystems. Through the agreement, Baykar and Leonardo aim to jointly seize opportunities in European and international markets while leveraging new synergies in the space sector.
Baykar Chairman and Technology Leader Selçuk Bayraktar stated “As Baykar, a global leader in the development, production, and export of armed unmanned aerial vehicles, we have always focused on pushing the boundaries of innovation in unmanned aviation. Leonardo’s globally recognized expertise in C4I systems and AI technologies further amplifies the impact of this collaboration. This strategic partnership with Leonardo is a significant milestone in expanding our technological footprint and strengthening our global presence. By combining our ethical AI-supported technologies with Leonardo’s vast capabilities in AI, we will develop next-generation solutions that will shape the future of unmanned aerial systems. This synergy will pave the way for AI-supported air superiority in the future.”
Leonardo CEO and General Manager Roberto Cingolani commented “Together with Baykar, we are creating a new reference player in unmanned technologies, which will play an increasingly central role in the future of defense. By signing a new international alliance today, we are taking a major step forward in unmanned systems and creating new opportunities, particularly in the European market. Today, the defense sector faces unprecedented challenges such as unmanned systems, AI, sixth-generation fighter jets, cybersecurity, and space. In this context, we believe technological collaboration is both necessary and urgent to accelerate progress and ensure global security.”
The Joint Venture will operate at Leonardo’s Ronchi dei Legionari facility, specialized in unmanned platforms. Additionally, production facilities in Turin and the Rome Tiburtina site for the development of integrated multi-domain technologies will be utilized. Joint space solutions will be developed in Nerviano.
