Türkiye’s rise in the global defense sector continues to attract attention, with Baykar’s partnership with Italian defense giant Leonardo standing out as one of the most significant strategic collaborations in recent years. At the Paris Airshow, Leonardo Chairman Stefano Pontecorvo described Baykar’s decision to select Leonardo as its European partner as “a great honor,” calling Baykar “probably the best company in its field.” Pontecorvo emphasized that this partnership will produce “highly critical and groundbreaking projects” for both Europe and the global defense market.

Highlighting the historic nature of the collaboration, Pontecorvo noted that for the first time in Leonardo’s history, the company shared a joint stand with another brand — and that brand was Baykar. The partnership will initially focus on Baykar’s AKINCI, TB3, and TB2 UAVs, alongside Leonardo’s Mirach target drone systems, with all products planned to undergo certification in Italy and Europe. These efforts aim to address Europe’s capability gap in unmanned aerial systems through advanced technological development and joint production.

The Baykar–Leonardo alliance is designed to create a common ecosystem across payload integration, sensor fusion, mission software, and interoperability standards. Baykar’s globally proven UAV/UCAV platforms will be enhanced by Leonardo’s radar, electronic warfare, and mission systems expertise, delivering scalable and export-ready solutions for both European and international markets. The cooperation also reinforces supply chain security, cost efficiency, and long-term sustainment through localized production and technology sharing.

Pontecorvo stated that both companies share a strong commitment to research, development, and technological innovation, and that their teams are “set to deliver exceptional results.” He underscored that the collaboration will provide “a major contribution to European defense in an area where the continent has fallen behind.” This partnership not only symbolizes Europe–Türkiye defense synergy but also represents a strategic leap in Baykar’s expanding international footprint, strengthening its leadership in unmanned and next-generation aerospace technologies.