The Italian defense company Leonardo and the Turkish UAV and weapon manufacturer Baykar are in discussions about potential collaboration. The partnership would involve integrating Leonardo’s electronics and radar systems into Baykar’s unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Recently, Leonardo’s CEO, Roberto Cingolani, visited Baykar’s manufacturing facility in Turkey. During the visit, he met with company executives and examined the various UAV models produced by Baykar. Among the showcased drones was the renowned Bayraktar TB2, which has proven its effectiveness in conflicts such as those in Libya, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Ukraine.
“We were very interested in finding synergies,” a Leonardo source tells Defense News.
While Baykar has secured a significant share of the UAV market, Leonardo has also achieved notable success, selling over 50 variants of its Falco drones. Additionally, Leonardo is a key partner in the Eurodrone project, a collaboration with Spain, France, and Germany. The Eurodrone initiative aims to develop a twin-engine, long-range, medium-altitude UAV, with its maiden flight anticipated by mid-2027.
Leonardo specializes in onboard electronics and sensors, including the Gabbiano electronically scanned radar, which will be integrated into the Eurodrone. This expertise suggests that the ongoing negotiations and potential collaboration may focus on Leonardo’s advanced systems being incorporated into Baykar’s UAVs, enhancing their operational capabilities.
“Chingolani’s logic is that there should be room for technological synergy, which can serve as the foundation for exploring commercial synergy, similar to Leonardo’s collaboration with Rheinmetall,” sources familiar with the company’s plans added.
In October, Leonardo and Rheinmetall partnered to develop new combat vehicles and tanks for the Italian military. These vehicles will feature Leonardo’s electronics and turrets integrated with Rheinmetall’s platforms.
Last month, Baykar acquired the Italian company Piaggio Aerospace, which had been undergoing bankruptcy proceedings for six years. Italy’s Minister of Economic Development, Adolfo Urso, commented that the agreement ensures the company’s relaunch with a clear and ambitious industrial vision. Meanwhile, Baykar’s CEO, Haluk Bayraktar, stated on Twitter that the company aims to preserve Piaggio’s historical identity, enhance its production capabilities, and support the growth of employment opportunities in Italy.
Source: defensenews
