Baykar, a leading Turkish drone manufacturer, and Leonardo, an Italian defense company, are set to establish a joint venture to produce Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for the European market, projected to reach €100 billion over the next decade. This collaboration will involve equal participation from both companies, integrating Baykar’s platforms with Leonardo’s advanced electronics and radar systems for UAV assembly in Turkey and Italy. The initiative, made possible by five months of focused collaboration, aims to streamline the certification process for drones in Europe, addressing the continent’s lag in drone technology—a critical factor for modern security challenges. The first prototype will be an adapted version of Baykar’s Akinci UAV, expected to be completed within a year. Additionally, Baykar’s Kizilelma UAV is positioned as a potential contender for the role of a loyal wingman in the Global Combat Air Programme, boasting a payload capacity of 1.5 tons, comparable to that of advanced fighter aircraft. This venture marks a significant strategic advancement in enhancing Europe’s defense capabilities through innovative drone technology.
