Rome: The partnership agreement between the Italian defense giant Leonardo and the Turkish unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) producer Baykar will help develop the entire aviation warfare systems of the future. Speaking after the signing ceremony in the capital, Rome, Baykar's Chairman Selcuk Bayraktar told Anadolu that Leonardo also has a great infrastructure to develop future technologies in other areas of the defense industry and unmanned systems, including radars, payloads, and sensors, as well as artificial intelligence.
According to Anadolu Agency, Baykar is the world's largest UAV developer and manufacturer. Bayraktar stated that Baykar earns more than 90% of its revenues from exports by selling UAVs to 36 countries. He emphasized that Baykar has already integrated radars produced by Leonardo into its systems and that a letter of goodwill has been signed after four or five months of intensive cooperation efforts.
Bayraktar outlined the objectives of the cooperation, highlighting the development of UAVs and related systems in Europe by combining complementary capabilities. This includes joint platform development and work on the unmanned fighter jet Kizilelma. The cooperation will focus on Baykar's combat UAV, Akinci, as well as platforms like Bayraktar TB3, Bayraktar TB2, and Kizilelma. Additionally, it will cover light platforms developed by Baykar, such as mini smart cruise missiles and different variants of mini intelligent cruise missiles.
Bayraktar noted that the geostrategic tectonic shifts globally are affecting balances worldwide, but Baykar's close defense cooperation with Europe will contribute to a more balanced experience of these changes. He stressed that Trkiye has been Europe's largest trading partner for many years, and such defense cooperation will strengthen relations further. He added that Eastern Europe has chosen the Bayraktar TB2, with Poland being the sixth NATO country to purchase it.
Bayraktar described the cooperation between Trkiye and Italy as a significant cornerstone and a high-tech alliance. He emphasized the importance of this partnership in terms of cooperation between the countries in other areas of technology. He highlighted the aim to spread high technology globally, enabling those in need to develop it themselves, thus considering the alliance as one between two technology institutions.
Regarding production centers, Bayraktar mentioned the acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace in Italy, which could serve as a production hub. He noted that Leonardo has over 100 facilities in Italy and worldwide, while Baykar's facilities are concentrated in campus-like formations. Bayraktar expressed optimism about the Italian Navy's interest in the Bayraktar TB3 UAV, which can land and take off from short-runway ships, and its potential as a force multiplier when it starts its mission.
As of this year, Baykar aims to launch TB3 from the Turkish defense ship TCG Anadolu's short-runway ship, with studies and mass production currently underway. Bayraktar clarified that while there is news about the Italian army purchasing Baykar's UAVs, there is no official request yet.
Roberto Cingolani, executive director of Leonardo, told Anadolu that Leonardo expects significant contributions from Baykar in electronics, sensor technology, and AI and algorithm integration for their UAVs. These advancements will facilitate the production of more advanced UAVs capable of performing various missions. Cingolani emphasized the importance of starting this process promptly due to high demand for UAVs across Europe and insufficient supply, presenting an opportunity to accelerate supply in the European defense space.