Baykar and Italian defense contractor Leonardo announced at Farnborough International Airshow that their joint venture LBA Systems is operationally ready. The partnership will bring the Bayraktar TB3 platform to the European market under the Astore Levante designation. Manufacturing of the first batch of unmanned aerial vehicles is underway, with delivery to the Italian end-user planned for year-end.

Leonardo holds a 50 percent stake in the joint venture established in Italy, with Baykar as equal partner. The company's legal and operational headquarters are located in Italy, with all necessary regulatory approvals obtained and management appointed. Leonardo's Unmanned Systems Business Unit, established within its Aeronautics Division, will coordinate commercial and industrial activities. This structure combines the complementary strengths of both companies under a single framework, creating a robust production and service center in Europe.

Astore Levante integrates the Bayraktar TB3 airframe with Leonardo's advanced electronic systems, sensors, mission systems, and ground control stations. The platform is specifically adapted for maritime operations, featuring a design capable of short-takeoff and landing from aircraft carriers. Leonardo's engineering and avionics expertise combined with Baykar's platform design capability enables certification to European Union standards. Manufacturing operations will take place at Leonardo's facilities in Italy.

Within the Turkish defense industry ecosystem, Baykar-developed UAV platforms have achieved significant international market success in recent years. Platforms such as Bayraktar TB2 and Bayraktar TB3 are recognized for their capability to operate to NATO standards. This partnership with Leonardo provides Turkish defense industry products with European production and service infrastructure. Simultaneously, Baykar's autonomous architecture and high-efficiency manufacturing processes contribute to European defense industry modernization.

LBA Systems' product portfolio encompasses six distinct systems. The range extends from the 80-kilogram class KALKAN platform through the Bayraktar TB2 UAV, Astore Levante, the AKINCI tactical unmanned aerial vehicle, and the KIZILELMA unmanned combat aircraft. KIZILELMA recently demonstrated manned-unmanned teaming capabilities in tests conducted with Leonardo's M-346 light combat aircraft. Work on TB2 and AKINCI variants will be conducted at Baykar's facilities in Italy. This arrangement enables both companies to deploy their expertise most effectively.