Leonardo plans to begin MUM-T demonstrations with Baykar’s KIZILELMA in mid-2026. The M-346F LCA will serve as the control and test platform.

Italian defense giant Leonardo has acquired the defense unit including Iveco Defence Vehicles and the ASTRA brand in a deal valued at €1.7 billion.

Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani said the medium-class UAVs being developed with Baykar are expected to emerge in April, addressing strong demand for European-certified drones.

The first medium-class UAVs developed under the Baykar–Leonardo partnership will complete assembly in April. The program is progressing ahead of schedule.

The United Kingdom has initiated a $608 million radar upgrade program for its Eurofighter Typhoon fleet, aiming to significantly enhance air defense, threat detection, and targeting capabilities.

Leonardo has signed a 2026–2028 logistics and simulator support contract for Italy’s C-27J Spartan fleet, ensuring peak operational efficiency and readiness.

Leonardo Chairman Stefano Pontecorvo expressed pride that Baykar chose them as a partner, announcing that joint projects starting with AKINCI, TB3, TB2, and Mirach will move toward European certification.

SSB President Haluk Görgün described LBA Systems, introduced at the Paris Airshow, as a milestone in high-tech cooperation; the Baykar–Leonardo joint venture will focus on UAV design, production, and maintenance.