Baykar Leonardo LBA Systems Partnership Strengthens European Defence Cooperation

A senior Italian delegation visited Baykar’s National Technology Center in Istanbul on October 6, 2025. The visit highlighted the growing impact of the Baykar Leonardo LBA Systems joint venture on European defence cooperation. This partnership aims to merge Turkish innovation and Italian aerospace expertise, forming a bridge between two powerful industries.

Key Facts

Delegation: Deputy Defence Minister Matteo Perego di Cremnago, Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Antonio Conserva, Army Chief Lt. Gen. Carmine Masiello, Vice Admiral Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto, and Leonardo executives Simone Ungaro and Carlo Gualdaroni.
Turkish Representation: Defence Industries Agency President Haluk Görgün and Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar.
Platforms Demonstrated: Akıncı HALE UAV, Kızılelma UCAV, and TB3 carrier-capable drone.
Strategic Focus: The Baykar Leonardo LBA Systems venture combines drone manufacturing with mission system integration and sensor fusion expertise.

A Strategic Visit Strengthening Cooperation

The Italian delegation’s visit to Baykar’s facilities marked a new phase of cooperation between Türkiye and Italy. The Baykar Leonardo LBA Systems partnership reflects shared ambitions in next-generation UAV and loyal-wingman technologies. Photographs showed the Italian deputy defence minister observing live telemetry from the Kızılelma flight, recorded by the Akıncı UAV acting as a chase aircraft.

Reports suggested that the TB3 may also have flown, though no footage was released. Together, the Akıncı, Kızılelma, and TB3 represent an integrated ecosystem that demonstrates Baykar’s rapid technological progress.

LBA Systems: A Balanced Joint Venture

Following Baykar’s acquisition of Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace, LBA Systems emerged as a 50:50 joint venture. It combines Baykar’s fast-paced drone development with Leonardo’s established expertise in avionics and certification. During the March 2025 announcement, Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani and Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar emphasized collaboration on loyal-wingman concepts for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).

This collaboration positions Baykar Leonardo LBA Systems as a practical bridge linking Türkiye’s agile innovation model with Europe’s structured aerospace industry. In this way, both partners gain mutual strategic advantages.

Flight Demonstrations Show Operational Readiness

Videos released by Baykar CTO Selçuk Bayraktar displayed the Akıncı, Kızılelma, and TB3 in coordinated flight tests. The TB3 released MAM-L and MAM-T guided munitions on a marked target, proving precision capability. Whether these flights were part of the Italian visit or separate trials, they showed the growing maturity of Baykar’s UAV designs.

For Leonardo engineers, observing Baykar’s live systems offered insights into its command software and flight-control architecture. These experiences will directly support LBA Systems integration projects.

Europe’s Shift Toward Speed and Sovereignty

Across Europe, defence priorities are evolving quickly. Governments now seek faster development, lower costs, and technological sovereignty. Italy, as both a NATO and GCAP participant, views Baykar Leonardo LBA Systems as an opportunity to diversify its unmanned capabilities beyond U.S. Reapers and delayed European programs like Eurodrone.

Working with Baykar provides Leonardo access to combat-tested platforms and faster prototyping cycles. Conversely, Türkiye gains a path into European certification and supply chains. Consequently, the cooperation benefits both partners equally.

Future Outlook for Baykar Leonardo LBA Systems

The joint venture’s roadmap is expected to include:

European-certified Akıncı variant for reconnaissance and strike missions.
Naval TB3 integration for Italy’s ITS Cavour and Trieste vessels.
Loyal wingman prototypes aligned with GCAP standards.
Sensor fusion and AI modules leveraging Leonardo’s advanced technology.

At TEKNOFEST Istanbul, Leonardo’s Simone Ungaro explained: “They are top in drones; we are top in payloads. Together, we will become a number one player.” This statement summarizes the confidence driving the collaboration.

Diplomatic Weight and Broader Impact

The scale of the Italian visit—combining political, military, and industrial leadership—illustrates the diplomatic depth of Baykar Leonardo LBA Systems. Türkiye’s Defence Industries Agency President Haluk Görgün’s presence confirmed national-level support for closer European partnerships.

If the Italian Air Force evaluates Akıncı or Kızılelma for use, it could mark the first time a NATO frontline fleet considers Turkish UAVs. Such a move would redefine Europe’s UAV industry balance.

Internal and External Links

SAHA Istanbul: Türkiye’s Defence and Aerospace Cluster{:target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer external” data-verified=”manual”}
Baykar’s Kızılelma: Türkiye’s Jet UCAV{:target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer external” data-verified=”manual”}
Leonardo Official Website{:target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer external” data-verified=”manual”}
NATO Air Chiefs and Drone Integration{:target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer external” data-verified=”manual”}