Leonardo and Turkish uncrewed air vehicle (UAV) manufacturer Baykar signed a 50/50 joint venture agreement on Monday at the Paris Air Show. The pair will collaborate on UAV development while exploring sales opportunities, notably those in NATO and Europe, where the companies have identified a clear gap.
Known as LBA Systems, the JV has been put together rapidly, having first been discussed in October, before a memorandum of understanding was signed three months ago. By April, joint teams were already working on integration programs.
The partnership marries Baykar’s proven expertise in large UAVs with Leonardo’s payload, command-and-control, and integration prowess. Baykar UAVs such as the Bayraktar TB2 and TB3, and the twin-engined Bayraktar Akinci, are in service with the Turkish armed forces, and have sold well in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Bayraktar TB2s have been used to great effect in support of Ukrainian forces. The company is also developing the jet-powered Bayraktar Kizilelma.
Under the deal, UAVs will be manufactured in both Italy and Turkey, with Leonardo’s Ronchi dei Legionari facility near Trieste being identified as a center of excellence. The companies aim to complete Italian/European certification and begin deliveries of Bayraktar UAVs in 2026.
Leonardo payloads that could be integrated with the Bayraktar Akinci include radar options such as the Grifo-E, Osprey 55/30, Gabbiano T-80UL, and Seaspray 7500. The LEOSS-T turreted sensor/targeting system is an option, as well as the ultralight sonics enhanced system (ULISSES) for anti-submarine warfare, and the Sage electronic surveillance measures and intelligence set.
The Italian company can also supply a range of defensive systems, including the Brite Storm jammer. Both Leonardo and Baykar can provide mission management systems. A similar range of payload options is available for the smaller Bayraktar TB3.