Italian and Turkish Companies to Form Joint Venture
Italian defense contractor Leonardo and Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a joint venture (JV) focused on uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) technologies. The JV aims to capitalize on the burgeoning European drone market, projected to exceed $100 billion in value over the next decade.
JV Scope and Capabilities
The JV will leverage the manufacturing expertise of both companies, encompassing design, development, maintenance, and production. Leonardo will primarily contribute its payload and mission system capabilities, while Baykar will provide its extensive portfolio of aircraft, including the TB2, Akinci, and Kizilelma drones. Production will be spread across both Italy and Turkey.
Targeting the European Market and GCAP Potential
The JV’s primary focus is the rapidly expanding European drone market. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani also hinted at the potential long-term opportunity to supply a loyal wingman aircraft for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a sixth-generation fighter jet project involving Italy, Japan, and the UK. Baykar’s Kizilelma UCAV is a strong contender for this role, though the final decision remains pending.
Kizilelma and Akinci: Key Aircraft in the JV
Baykar’s Kizilelma UCAV, which has undergone recent flight tests and aerodynamic system identification testing, is a key asset. Cingolani stated that the Akinci UCAV will be the first aircraft developed by the JV, with prototyping expected within a year. This builds upon existing collaboration, with Leonardo already integrating payloads onto the Akinci. The Akinci, a long-endurance UCAV, is the successor to the successful TB2 tactical UAV.
Market Ambitions and Baykar’s European Expansion
Cingolani expressed hope for Italian defense procurement of drones from the JV but stressed that relying solely on domestic sales would be short-sighted. He emphasized the JV’s ambition to tap into the broader European market, which significantly exceeds national interests. For Baykar, this JV marks a further step into the European market, following its acquisition of Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace.
