Two leading defense manufacturers, Leonardo of Italy and Baykar of Türkiye, are paving the way for a strategic partnership in the field of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Following his recent visit to Baykar’s facilities in Istanbul, Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani stated that there is “a remarkable complementarity” between Leonardo’s technologies and Baykar’s drone platforms. The talks, which reportedly began even before Baykar’s acquisition of Piaggio Aerospace in late 2024, are now moving toward a more technical and operational phase.

“We have been in contact with our colleagues at Baykar for several months,” Cingolani told Anadolu Agency in Rome. “Leonardo’s expertise in payloads—electronics, sensors, and radar systems—can perfectly complement Baykar’s world-class unmanned platforms. Together, we could achieve a real leap in capability and open new markets, including across Europe.” He added that the two sides are currently conducting technological and market analyses to assess integration opportunities and that “progress has been quite fast and encouraging.”

Cingolani expressed deep admiration for Baykar after visiting the Özdemir Bayraktar National Technology Center in Istanbul, calling the company “truly world-class.” He was particularly impressed by Baykar’s youthful workforce and advanced R&D ecosystem:

“It was striking to see thousands of young engineers working with such passion. The infrastructure, the focus on people, the quality of the facilities — all extraordinary. Baykar is clearly operating at the highest international standard.”

Highlighting the future of defense technology, Cingolani noted that unmanned systems integrated with sixth-generation fighter aircraft will define the next era of military aviation. In this context, he suggested that potential cooperation with Baykar could also strengthen NATO’s eastern flank, emphasizing that “NATO should not be limited to its American component; European and cross-regional collaborations will make it stronger.”

Cingolani also discussed Leonardo’s participation in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) alongside BAE Systems and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, confirming that any future partners — including Türkiye — would depend on government-level decisions, not companies alone. Nevertheless, he said Leonardo remains open to all actors capable of contributing to the project’s technological and industrial progress.

The growing dialogue between Leonardo and Baykar signals a new phase in European–Turkish defense cooperation, combining advanced sensor and avionics expertise with world-leading UAV design and production capabilities. If realized, this partnership could significantly enhance both sides’ competitiveness in global defense markets while contributing to the development of a more autonomous and capable European defense ecosystem.