Baykar and Leonardo Forge Joint Venture to Elevate Europe’s Drone Industry
Baykar, a Turkish drone manufacturer, has formed a joint venture with Italian company Leonardo to penetrate Europe’s $100 billion drone market. The venture will enable drone assembly in Turkey and Italy and focuses on enhancing unmanned technology capabilities. Initial developments will include a prototype of Baykar’s Akinci drone, poised to support advanced military collaborations in Europe, reflecting a strategic realignment in defense procurement.
A new partnership has emerged between Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar and Italian aerospace company Leonardo, aimed at capturing a segment of Europe’s burgeoning drone market, projected to reach $100 billion within the next decade. This 50-50 joint venture will facilitate the assembly of drones both in Turkey and at Leonardo’s Italian facilities, making it easier to meet European certification standards.
Leonardo’s CEO, Roberto Cingolani, emphasized the critical role of unmanned technology in enhancing security, especially during challenging times. The initial prototype from this partnership will be a modified version of Baykar’s Akinci drone, expected to be completed within a year.
The Akinci drone boasts a payload capacity of 1.5 tonnes, allowing it to carry a range of munitions typically utilized by fighters. Cingolani and Baykar’s Chairman, Selçuk Bayraktar, communicated their enthusiasm regarding the collaboration, which will deepen their existing technology sharing and development, including incorporating Leonardo’s radar systems into Baykar’s platforms.
The partnership also explores the potential of Baykar’s Kizilelma unmanned fighter to serve as an auxiliary to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) fighter, which is being developed in collaboration with BAE and Japan’s JAIEC. Although still in the conceptual phase, this partnership aims to innovate the use of drones alongside next-generation fighters.
Cingolani acknowledged the need for further clarity on the GCAP’s drone requirements, indicating that discussions are preliminary. Prospects of expanding Baykar’s drone assembly operations into Italy, possibly leveraging facilities from Piaggio Aerospace, were also discussed during the announcement.
The memorandum of understanding, signed during a press conference in Rome, signifies the seriousness of the venture. Cingolani praised Baykar’s advanced technology, describing its Turkish facility as the most outstanding high-tech industry he has encountered, further underscoring the focus on creating synergies in drone technology.
Both companies aim to overcome regional aerospace challenges, particularly with Leonardo’s contributions in sensors and software, while adhering to European export regulations that might limit the reach of jointly produced drones. Italy’s potential shift toward purchasing Baykar platforms signifies a broader intention to foster independence in defense systems amidst changing geopolitical dynamics.
Cingolani acknowledged the increasing urgency within Europe to enhance defense expenditures, driven partly by the realities of U.S. foreign policy under President Trump. This evolving landscape suggests growing interest in developing robust European defense capabilities, independent of traditional reliance on American military equipment.
The collaboration between Baykar and Leonardo represents a significant advancement in the European drone market, highlighting a strategic move towards enhanced security capabilities. The joint venture promises to bolster technological synergies and facilitate the assembly of advanced drones in both Turkey and Italy. As geopolitical dynamics shift, this partnership may signify a broader trend of Europe increasingly seeking autonomy in defense production and procurement.
Original Source: www.defensenews.com
