Baykar of Turkey and Leonardo of Italy have established a joint venture to access Europe’s projected $100 billion drone market. By blending Baykar’s drone technology with Leonardo’s systems, they aim to streamline assembly operations in both Turkey and Italy. The partnership, deemed necessary for advancing European security amidst geopolitical challenges, presents an opportunity for innovation and domestic defense transformation.
A significant development in Europe’s drone market arises from a collaboration between Turkish UAV manufacturer Baykar and Italy’s Leonardo. Announced on Thursday, the joint venture aims to secure a share of the anticipated $100 billion drone market over the next decade by utilizing Baykar’s drone technology alongside Leonardo’s advanced electronics and radar systems. The collaboration intends to facilitate drone assembly in both Turkey and Italy, enhancing certification processes for the European market.
Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani emphasized the necessity of improving unmanned technology in Europe, stating that drones are vital for security in current complex times. He highlighted the joint venture’s development as a product of focused and intense discussions over the previous five months. The initial prototype under this venture will be a modified version of Baykar’s Akinci drone, expected to be ready within a year.
Selçuk Bayraktar, chairman of Baykar, provided further insights into the capabilities of the Akinci drone, noting its substantial payload capacity of 1.5 tonnes, enabling it to carry munitions equivalent to those utilized by fighter jets. This venture is expected not only to establish assemblies but also deepen cooperative efforts with Leonardo, specifically regarding the integration of innovative technologies.
Additionally, Bayraktar mentioned the potential of Baykar’s Kizilelma unmanned fighter to serve as a ‘Loyal Wingman’ for the Anglo-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) fighter. This role remains in preliminary discussion stages, and Cingolani acknowledged the need to define specific operational requirements before establishing the drone’s role in the GCAP program.
The joint venture anticipates utilizing facilities at Leonardo in Italy, including the recently acquired Piaggio Aerospace, for drone assembly. This initiative is also aligned with ongoing commitments to ensure continuous production in the manned aircraft sector at Piaggio.
During the signing of the memorandum of understanding, the emphasis was placed on productive engagements between teams rather than prolonged legal discussions. Cingolani expressed admiration for Baykar’s demonstrated technical capabilities in Turkey, noting its comprehensive facilities, which include worker accommodations and recreational areas.
The venture aims to enhance cooperative synergies between the companies, such as developing autonomous UAV swarms that capitalize on navigational techniques sans GPS. Cingolani reassured that this collaboration would complement existing projects like Eurodrone, although he cautioned that such programs might struggle to maintain drone competitiveness in Europe as innovations are essential for strategic advancements.
Despite this positive outlook, Cingolani acknowledged potential challenges posed by European export restrictions on the partnership’s production and sales routes. He confirmed that the joint venture would strictly adhere to these regulations, understanding their importance in maintaining market viability.
The current shift in Italy’s purchasing strategies, traditionally aligned with U.S.-manufactured drones, highlights a critical change towards domestic production capabilities with Baykar platforms. Cingolani noted the urgency to increase European defense spending as a response to evolving geopolitical dynamics, particularly in light of Donald Trump’s rhetoric towards Europe.
Contributions to this report were made by Elisabeth Gosselin-Malo from Milan, while Tom Kington serves as the Italy correspondent for Defense News.
The newly formed joint venture between Baykar and Leonardo represents a strategic initiative aimed at tapping into the burgeoning European drone market, estimated to reach $100 billion within the next decade. This collaboration highlights the urgent need for advanced unmanned technologies in Europe, stimulating domestic production and potentially altering existing defense procurement trends. Through focused efforts, the venture seeks to enhance European defense capabilities while navigating regulatory challenges in the international arms market.
Original Source: www.defensenews.com
