Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar and Italian aerospace and defense firm Leonardo have launched a new joint venture named LBA Systems, focused on the development and production of next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The announcement came during the International Paris Airshow, where Baykar CTO Selçuk Bayraktar and Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani signed the agreement, reads a Daily Sabah post.
The 50-50 joint venture will initially focus on enhancing Bayraktar TB3 and Akıncı platforms, with production and research spread across four Leonardo facilities in Ronchi dei Legionari, Turin, Tiburtina (Rome), and Grottaglie. Certification of new systems is expected by 2026.
Cingolani emphasized Europe's UAV gap, stating that “NATO’s eastern flank needs strengthening,” while praising Baykar’s production capabilities and young, skilled workforce. He called Baykar’s facilities “not just a factory but a city,” highlighting their near-complete technological independence.
Bayraktar said the partnership with Leonardo brings a powerful synergy in radar and payload systems, targeting both European and global defense markets. He noted that Baykar currently holds 60% of the global UAV export market and sees this alliance as a way to expand further, especially in Western Europe.
The companies are also exploring future collaborations in space technology and digital ecosystems, aligning with both nations’ long-term strategic and defense interests.
“This is not just about drones,” Bayraktar said. “It’s about ensuring peace and security through innovation, alliance, and shared vision in a time of global uncertainty.”
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
