Baykar Partnership with Leonardo Boosts UAV Development
**Italy’s leading defense industry player, Leonardo, is on the verge of a strategic production partnership with Baykar. Sources reveal that a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two firms is anticipated to be signed next week. This agreement, as reported by the Financial Times, is set to establish a joint venture aimed at significantly enhancing Europe’s UAV manufacturing capabilities.**
Leonardo is currently engaged in the sixth-generation fighter jet program, known as GCAP, in collaboration with BAE Systems from the UK and JAIEC from Japan. This project is regarded as vital for the evolution of future fighter aircraft. Notably, in October, Mitsubishi and BAE Systems unveiled models of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) intended for integration into the GCAP initiative. The prospective partnership between Baykar and Leonardo is expected to advance the development of cutting-edge UAVs compatible with these platforms.
Baykar’s Expansion into the European Market
Baykar has made remarkable strides on the global stage, particularly with its Bayraktar TB2 UAV, renowned for its extended endurance and medium altitude capabilities. This UAV has been actively deployed in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, garnering significant acclaim for its battlefield performance. Consequently, the TB2 has been acquired by several nations, including Poland and Qatar. According to Baykar, a staggering 90% of its revenue is generated from exports, with total export revenue reaching 1.8 billion dollars across 35 countries as of 2023.
In a bid to solidify its footprint in the European market, Baykar recently acquired the Italian aviation company Piaggio Aerospace. This company has a storied history dating back to the late 1990s when the aviation division of its parent company, Piaggio, was bought by private investors. With this acquisition, Baykar aims to bolster its presence in the European aerospace sector and plans to enhance employment at Piaggio Aerospace’s facilities in Italy.
Strengthening Italy-Turkey Collaboration
The collaboration between Leonardo and Baykar represents a significant step forward in Italy-Turkey cooperation, combining Leonardo’s advanced technology with Baykar’s expertise in unmanned aerial platforms. This partnership is poised to make substantial contributions to the development of next-generation UAV technologies in Europe. As the acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace nears completion, interactions between Leonardo and Baykar have intensified.
According to insiders, Leonardo’s CEO, Roberto Cingolani, along with Baykar’s Selçuk and Haluk Bayraktar, have conducted reciprocal visits over the past month. Notably, Prof. Cingolani visited the Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center, where he was warmly received by Baykar representatives. This growing relationship underscores the potential for groundbreaking advancements in UAV technology.
Future Prospects and Investment Commitments
This upcoming agreement is set to provide Baykar with a robust platform to penetrate the European market, while simultaneously allowing Leonardo to partner with a key player in unmanned systems. The specifics of the agreement are expected to be unveiled in the coming days, with an official announcement anticipated shortly.
In a related development, Baykar is also committing to investments in its Italian subsidiary, further solidifying its intentions within the region. This strategic move not only enhances Baykar’s operational capabilities but also signifies its commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the European aerospace landscape.
