Baykar and Leonardo have formed a joint venture to tap into Europe’s $100 billion drone market. This partnership plans to facilitate drone assembly in Turkey and at Leonardo’s Italian plants, emphasizing collaboration and technology integration. The first prototype will be based on Baykar’s Akinci drone, with discussions on its potential role in the Global Combat Air Programme. The alliance reflects Europe’s growing focus on securing autonomous defense capabilities.
On Thursday, Turkish UAV company Baykar established a joint venture with Italy’s Leonardo to penetrate Europe’s expanding $100 billion drone market. This alliance aims to facilitate drone assembly in Turkey and at Leonardo’s Italian facilities, streamlining the certification process for access into European markets over the next decade, according to the companies involved.
Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani emphasized the need for unmanned technologies, stating that drones are crucial for ensuring security during uncertain times. Cingolani noted that the new venture is the culmination of “five very intense months of work.” The venture’s initial prototype will be based on Baykar’s Akinci drone and is set for completion within one year.
Baykar chairman Selçuk Bayraktar mentioned that the drone would have a 1.5-ton payload capacity, allowing it to carry munitions equivalent to those used by traditional fighters. This joint venture represents a significant opportunity for collaboration, moving beyond previous integrations of Leonardo’s electronic systems into Baykar drones into a more comprehensive partnership.
Bayraktar indicated that the Kizilelma unmanned fighter might serve as a potential candidate for the ‘Loyal Wingman’ role within the Anglo-Italian-Japanese Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). He pointed out that discussions surrounding this role had taken place, although further examination of requirements is necessary before moving forward.
Cingolani expressed that the partnership with Baykar is a valuable opportunity to explore the potential integration of Turkish drones into the GCAP. However, he cautioned that specifics regarding the operational deployment of drones remain undecided, emphasizing the need for thorough understanding of operational parameters.
The potential for extending Baykar’s assembly capabilities into Italy includes utilizing facilities owned by Piaggio Aerospace, which Baykar acquired in December. Bayraktar confirmed ongoing commitments to civil aviation in addition to drone assembly at those locations.
The signing of a memorandum of understanding for this venture precedes its anticipated formal establishment in approximately six months. Cingolani remarked on the efficient collaborative spirit driving the project, attributing rapid progress to shared technical vision.
Cingolani also praised Baykar’s impressive technological development, reporting that it showcases a well-rounded industrial environment that supports worker facilities. Leonardo’s contributions will include essential sensors and software, ensuring that drones meet certification requirements for various military uses, including swarming operational capabilities.
Despite the emergence of the joint venture, Cingolani stressed that it would not conflict with Leonardo’s involvement in the Eurodrone program but added that Europe must expedite efforts to maintain drone competitiveness.
There is hope for potential orders from the Italian military for products like the Baykar Akinci and TB3 drones. Cingolani indicated adherence to European export regulations would be essential for the new venture, ensuring compliance with all applicable restrictions.
This joint venture could signify a strategic shift for Italy away from reliance on U.S. drone systems, particularly amidst evolving geopolitical relations with the U.S. Commentary during the press conference highlighted a growing imperative within Europe to enhance defense capabilities in light of recent political developments.
The establishment of a joint venture between Baykar and Leonardo marks a significant development in Europe’s drone industry, positioning both companies to capitalize on a lucrative market. As they aim to innovate drone technologies, the collaboration reflects a potential shift in European defense procurement strategies, emphasizing autonomy and security amid changing geopolitical dynamics. Through this cooperation, they seek to enhance operational capabilities, ensuring that drones are equipped for modern warfare demands while adhering to regulatory frameworks.
Original Source: www.defensenews.com
