Leonardo and Turkey’s Baykar Technologies signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Rome on 6 March 2025 to establish a joint venture to develop 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, which will be based in Italy, includes the design, development, production and maintenance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
“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 two companies stated in a joint press release.
The companies assert that the European market for unmanned fighters, armed surveillance UAVs and deep strike UAVs over the next decade is projected to reach USD 100 billion (EUR 92.4 billion).
Both companies – currently engaged in the development and production of UAVs; electronic systems; payloads; command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C4I) systems; artificial intelligence (AI); integrated mission systems; and space equipment and services – will ensure interoperability within multi-domain ecosystems. Through their agreement Leonardo and Baykar aim to jointly pursue opportunities in both the European and international markets, also capitalising on additional synergies in the space sector.
“With Baykar we are creating a new reference player in unmanned technologies, which will play an increasingly central role in the future of defence,” Leonardo CEO and General Manager Roberto Cingolani was quoted as saying in a company press. “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 defence industry is facing unprecedented challenges, such as [regarding] unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, sixth-generation fighters, cyber security, and space,” Cingolani added. “In this context we are convinced that technological co-operation is both necessary and urgent to accelerate progress and ensure global security.”
Selçuk Bayraktar, chairman and chief technology officer of Baykar, noted that his company “has always focused on pushing the boundaries of innovation in unmanned aviation” and that Leonardo’s “globally renowned capability in C4I systems and its advanced AI technology backbone make this collaboration even more impactful”.
Noting that the strategic partnership with Leonardo “marks a significant milestone in expanding our technological footprint and strengthening our presence in the world”, Bayraktar stated, “Baykar will combine ethical AI-driven technologies together with Leonardo’s immense capability in 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.”
The Leonardo sites involved in the activities developed by the joint venture with Baykar will be those in Ronchi dei Legionari (Friuli), which is a specialist centre in the unmanned sector; Torino (Piedmont) and Roma Tiburtina, respectively for production aspects and the development of integrated multi-domain technologies; and Nerviano (Lombardy), which will focus on joint solutions offered for the space sector.
