Türkiye’s leading UAV manufacturer Baykar and Italian defense company Leonardo have signed a major partnership agreement to collaborate on unmanned aerial technologies. The agreement was signed at Leonardo’s headquarters in Rome by Leonardo’s CEO Roberto Cingolani, Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar, and CEO Haluk Bayraktar.

Cingolani stated that the deal was the result of five months of intensive discussions, emphasizing that while it is a five-year agreement, it envisions a much deeper long-term collaboration. He also praised Baykar’s UAV production facilities in Türkiye, highlighting the company’s technological advancements.

Selçuk Bayraktar underscored the strategic alignment between the two companies, noting that the synergy between their technological divisions has grown stronger in recent months. He expressed confidence that the partnership would result in the development of some of the world’s most advanced UAV systems.

Production under the agreement will take place in both Türkiye and Italy. Baykar and Leonardo estimate that the European UAV market will exceed $100 billion in the next decade.

Europe’s Technology Gap and Market Potential

Cingolani highlighted the gap in unmanned aerial technologies within Europe, stressing the importance of boosting production to ensure global security. He explained that manufacturing drones within an EU member state would facilitate certification processes, further strengthening European defense capabilities.

He described Baykar’s UAV portfolio as state-of-the-art, citing both small and large drone designs. He particularly praised the Bayraktar Akıncı unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV), which is among the best-selling UCAVs worldwide.

Cingolani also compared the Bayraktar Kızılelma to a “jet without a pilot,” suggesting that it could serve as a foundation for the next generation of fighter aircraft.

Future Steps

Baykar, recognized as the world’s leading developer and exporter of UAVs, has delivered its systems to 36 countries, with 90% of its revenue generated from exports. The company has averaged close to $2 billion in annual export revenue over the past four years.

The collaboration with Leonardo is expected to create a new industry in Europe, generate employment, and accelerate technological innovation in defense and unmanned aviation.

Strengthening Europe’s Defense Capabilities

Cingolani emphasized the need for stronger European defense cooperation, noting that while Europe has invested in space technologies, its UAV development has lagged behind. He suggested that collaborations such as this one are crucial to maintaining Europe’s competitiveness in defense technologies.

The agreement between Baykar and Leonardo is structured as a 50-50 joint venture, ensuring equal participation in production and technology sharing. Cingolani noted that this industrial collaboration will enhance Europe’s ability to develop and deploy UAV technologies efficiently.

The partnership is expected to strengthen Europe’s defense industry while providing innovative solutions for the growing global demand for UAVs.