Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Turkey-Italy Cooperation Agreement
**In a significant ceremony attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, the official exchange of agreements took place today in Rome, marking a pivotal cooperation in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).** The documents exchanged relate to a strategic partnership established back in March, which focuses on the collaborative development and production of UAVs in Italy, as well as high-tech cooperation between the two nations.
Held at the historic Villa Pamphili Residence, the ceremony witnessed the handover of the agreement documents, which stem from a memorandum of understanding signed on March 6, 2025. Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of Baykar, and Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, took part in this momentous occasion, symbolizing a firm step towards synergizing their technological capabilities.
The recently signed agreement merges Baykar’s success in operational UAV platforms with Leonardo’s proficiency in advanced mission systems and European aviation certifications. This collaboration aims to tap into growing opportunities within the European UAV market, enhancing both companies’ positions in this competitive arena.
Furthermore, the strategic alliance encompasses a range of technological fields, including electronic systems, payload technologies, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), and integrated mission systems apart from the UAV focus. Both firms are striving to establish a formidable presence not only in Europe but on a global scale by ensuring that their multi-domain ecosystems are compatible and efficient.
With plans to operate out of several facilities in Italy such as Ronchi dei Legionari, Turin, Rome Tiburtina, and Nerviano, this venture aims to leverage the strengths of both companies. Ultimately, the collaboration between Baykar and Leonardo represents a forward-thinking approach to defense and technology, anticipating future trends in unmanned aviation and high-tech innovations.
