Baykar and Leonardo to Produce Joint UAVs in Italy

Turkey’s leading drone manufacturer Baykar and Italian defense giant Leonardo have agreed to establish a joint venture to produce unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) in Italy. The collaboration combines Baykar’s proven expertise in drone technology and artificial intelligence with Leonardo’s strengths in mission systems, payloads, and certification capabilities.

The joint venture will cover design, development, production, and maintenance of UAV systems, leveraging the complementary strengths of both companies. Baykar brings expertise in advanced drone and AI technologies, while Leonardo contributes specialized capabilities in mission systems and European aerospace certification.

The partnership aims to capitalize on the rapidly growing European UAV market, expected to reach $100 billion within the next decade. Additionally, the collaboration will extend into space technologies, aiming for integrated solutions in both aerospace and defense sectors.

The agreement was signed by Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar and Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani. The joint venture will operate from Italy, with dedicated facilities planned for drone systems and space-sector solutions development.

This strategic move represents a significant milestone for both firms in the global defense industry, emphasizing innovation, technological excellence, and international security cooperation.