A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed Thursday between Baykar Technologies and Leonardo for the development of unmanned technologies.
The agreement is based on the industrial synergies and complementarities of the two companies in the unmanned sector. The scope of the Joint Venture, based in Italy, includes the design, development, production, and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems.
This partnership will leverage Baykar’s industry-leading unmanned platforms, which have demonstrated operational effectiveness across various global markets, and Leonardo’s expertise in mission systems, payload design, and related aerospace certification in Europe. The European market for the next ten years, covering unmanned fighters, armed surveillance drones, and deep strike drones, is projected to reach $ 100 billion.
Both companies, currently engaged in the development and production of UAVs, electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), Artificial Intelligence, integrated mission systems, space equipment, and services, will ensure interoperability within multi-domain ecosystems.
Through this agreement, Leonardo and Baykar aim to jointly pursue opportunities in both the European and international markets, also capitalizing on additional synergies in the space sector.
Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, said: “With Baykar we are creating a new reference player in unmanned technologies, which will play an increasingly central role in the future of Defense. Today, we are signing a new international alliance that marks a significant leap forward in unmanned systems, opening up new market opportunities, particularly in Europe.”
“The defense industry is facing unprecedented challenges, such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, sixth-generation fighters, cybersecurity, and space. In this context, we are convinced that technological cooperation is both necessary and urgent to accelerate progress and ensure global security,” he added.
Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman and CTO of Baykar, stated: “As the global leader in armed UAV development, production, and export in the world, Baykar has always focused on pushing the boundaries of innovation in unmanned aviation. Leonardo’s globally renowned capability in C4I systems and its advanced AI technology backbone make this collaboration even more impactful.”
“This strategic partnership with Leonardo marks a significant milestone in expanding our technological footprint and strengthening our presence in the world. Baykar will combine ethical AI-driven technologies together with Leonardo's immense capability in the AI technologies to develop next-generation solutions that will define the future of unmanned aerial systems. Together, this synergy will bring ultimate AI-driven air supremacy for the future,” he explained.
The Leonardo sites involved in the activities developed by the Joint Venture will be those in Ronchi dei Legionari (Friuli), a specialist center in the unmanned sector; Torino (Piedmont) and Roma Tiburtina, respectively for production aspects and the development of integrated multi-domain technologies; and Nerviano (Lombardy) for the joint solutions offered for the space sector.
Leonardo is an international industrial group, among the main global companies in Aerospace, Defence, and Security (AD&S). With 53,000 employees worldwide, the company approaches global security through the Helicopters, Electronics, Aircraft, Cyber & Security and Space sectors, and is a partner on the most important international programmes, within these sectors, such as Eurofighter, NH-90, FREMM, GCAP, and Eurodrone.
Leonardo has significant production capabilities in Italy, the UK, Poland, and the USA. Leonardo utilizes its subsidiaries, joint ventures, and shareholdings, which include Leonardo DRS (72.3%), MBDA (25%), ATR (50% ), Hensoldt (22.8%), Telespazio (67%), Thales Alenia Space (33%), and Avio (29.6%).
Listed on the Milan Stock Exchange (LDO), in 2023 Leonardo recorded new orders for €17.9 billion, with an order book of €39.5 billion and consolidated revenues of €15.3 billion. Included in the MIB ESG index, the company has also been part of the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) since 2010.
Baykar Technologies is the global market leader in armed UAV development, production, and exports in the world. The company has played a pivotal role in revolutionizing unmanned aviation with its cutting-edge UAV platforms, which have been successfully deployed in multiple operational scenarios worldwide. Baykar specializes in the development, production of UAV systems and advanced AI-driven technologies.
With a strong commitment to innovation and technological excellence, Baykar continues to push the frontiers of unmanned aerial solutions for both defense and civilian applications.
