Italian manufacturer Leonardo and Turkish company Baykar signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) yesterday,ahead of establishing a joint venture (JV) in Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) technologies, aiming to capitalise on the increasing demand in the European market.

The JV in question will leverage manufacturing capabilities of both companies across design, development, maintenance, and production of drones. Leonardo’s contribution will primarily focus on payloads and mission systems, complemented by Baykar’s extensive aircraft portfolio, which includes the TB2, Akinci, and Kizilelma platforms, according to a statement from Leonardo.

In un mondo che sta cambiando molto velocemente, il rapporto tra #Italia e #Turchia è destinato a divenire sempre più centrale. State anticipando, dal punto di vista industriale, il futuro scenario geopolitico. Anche per questo, esprimo grande soddisfazione per la firma…

The JV aims to tap into the expanding European drone market, valued at over $100 billion over the next decade, with production taking place in both Italy and Turkey, Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani told the media in Rome.

He indicated that, despite the ongoing work on the Italian, Japanese, and UK-led Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) sixth-generation fighter, no decision has yet been made on an adjunct or loyal wingman aircraft. He suggested that introducing a wingman aircraft could be a long-term opportunity for the JV, with Baykar’s Kizilelma Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) emerging as a strong candidate for consideration.

Also read: EDGE Group – Leonardo | Collaboration Agreement Signed

Baykar conducted flight tests on a third production-representative Kizilelma aircraft in September 2024, and it has since completed an aerodynamic system identification test. The self-funded programme was initially launched by the manufacturer in 2021, and the company now seeks to integrate US engines.

According to officials, the Akinci will be the first platform developed under the JV, with prototyping expected to begin within a year. This initiative strengthens the existing collaboration between the two companies, which has already seen Leonardo integrate its payloads into Baykar’s aircraft.

The long-endurance UCAV was developed as the successor to the TB2 tactical UAV, which proved successful in the early stages of the Ukraine war. Currently in service with the Turkish Armed Forces, Baykar has signed 11 Akinci export agreements, according to the company.

For Baykar, the JV represents a further expansion into the European market and follows its recent acquisition of Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace.

Also read: Turkey | Baykar unveils new unmanned fighter jet – Photos