Contributor - UK

David Donald

Leonardo and Turkish uncrewed air vehicle (UAV) manufacturer Baykar signed a 50/50 joint venture agreement on Monday at the Paris Air Show. The pair will collaborate on UAV development while exploring sales opportunities, notably those in NATO and Europe, where the companies have identified a clear gap.
Known as LBA Systems, the JV has been put together rapidly, having first been discussed in October, before a memorandum of understanding was signed three months ago. By April, joint teams were already working on integration programs.
The partnership marries Baykar’s proven expertise in large UAVs with Leonardo’s payload, command-and-control, and integration prowess. Baykar UAVs such as the Bayraktar TB2 and TB3, and the twin-engined Bayraktar Akinci, are in service with the Turkish armed forces, and have sold well in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Bayraktar TB2s have been used to great effect in support of Ukrainian forces. The company is also developing the jet-powered Bayraktar Kizilelma.
Under the deal, UAVs will be manufactured in both Italy and Turkey, with Leonardo’s Ronchi dei Legionari facility near Trieste being identified as a center of excellence. The companies aim to complete Italian/European certification and begin deliveries of Bayraktar UAVs in 2026.
Leonardo payloads that could be integrated with the Bayraktar Akinci include radar options such as the Grifo-E, Osprey 55/30, Gabbiano T-80UL, and Seaspray 7500. The LEOSS-T turreted sensor/targeting system is an option, as well as the ultralight sonics enhanced system (ULISSES)&nbsp;for anti-submarine warfare, and the Sage electronic surveillance measures and intelligence set.&nbsp;
The Italian company can also supply a range of defensive systems, including the Brite Storm jammer. Both Leonardo and Baykar can provide mission management systems. A similar range of payload options is available for the smaller Bayraktar TB3.

News and issues relating to civil and military unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) of all kinds and sizes, including those used for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), combat (unmanned combat air vehicles, or UCAVs), law enforcement, research and other applications. Of particular focus is the FAA's planned integration of UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

Leonardo Joins Forces With Baykar To Pursue UAV Opportunities

Baykar’s proven UAVs integrated with Leonardo’s sensors and systems is the offer from LBA Systems

Leonardo and Turkish UAV manufacturer Baykar signed a 50/50 joint venture agreement on Monday at the Paris Air Show.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Charles Alcock

New developments and products in avionics, specifically about aircraft electronics in the cockpit.

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

Essential news and analysis on the defense aerospace business. Your trusted source for new and ongoing programs and requirements in military aircraft (manned and unmanned), engines, avionics, weapons and associated systems, including ground-based air defense.

Anafi UKR drone can be deployed in military or public safety missions 

Parrot Launches Flock of AI-Based Micro UAVs and an Autopilot

Company develops a minimum-integration launch system for its Hero-120 loitering munition

UVision Introduces Smart Launch for Loitering Munitions

The MQ-28A has been developed for the RAAF’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program

Boeing’s Ghost Bat Readies for Interoperability Trials

Lockheed Martin’s Brussels-based Digital Engagement Center is helping military staff and industry identify new requirements to meet the swiftly changing threat environment in the 21st Century.

Lockheed Center in Brussels Bolsters European Defense Strategy

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Undisclosed logistics customer will operate 550-pound payload vehicle under an experimental license

Air’s Uncrewed Cargo eVTOL Conducts Night Flight Trials

Hanneke Weitering

News, issues, personnel, equipment and developments about air traffic management.

Researchers explore autonomous flight in IFR conditions

NASA and Wisk Team on Autonomous Air Traffic Integration

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

U.S. company says it will accelerate development of the 1,400-pound payload vehicle 

Piasecki Acquires Kaman's Kargo UAV Program

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Paris Air Show 2025

In this article

Leonardo

More In Unmanned Aerial Vehicles