Türkiye-Italy UAV partnership approaches first production milestone
A joint unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) program between Türkiye and Italy is nearing a key production milestone, with the first medium-class systems expected to roll out in the coming weeks.
The partnership brings together Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar and Italian aerospace and defense group Leonardo. According to Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani, assembly of the initial batch of mid-class UAVs is scheduled to be completed by April.
Speaking during a presentation of Leonardo’s 2025 financial results, Cingolani highlighted what he described as strong momentum in the UAV segment. He noted that the two companies have been working closely to integrate advanced technologies into the platform, with further details to be outlined in an updated strategic roadmap in the coming weeks.
The aircraft are being assembled at Leonardo’s facility in Ronchi dei Legionari, in northern Italy. The program encompasses a broad family of systems, including both fixed-wing and rotary-wing configurations designed to address evolving operational requirements.
Before entering full-scale production and export phases—anticipated to reach several hundred units—the UAVs will undergo an approximately one-year testing and demonstration cycle. Planned trials include operations under specialized landing conditions and coordinated swarm capabilities, reflecting the growing emphasis on networked and autonomous defense technologies.
Cingolani also pointed to potential synergies with the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a multinational initiative aimed at developing next-generation air combat capabilities. Advances in the UAV collaboration are expected to contribute positively to Leonardo’s electronics and systems divisions.
The project underscores expanding defense-industrial ties between Türkiye and Italy, as both countries seek to strengthen their positions in the competitive global UAV market. Officials indicate that the program is progressing slightly ahead of schedule, with investments continuing in line with long-term strategic objectives.
