Baykar and Leonardo establish LBA Systems, a Türkiye-Italy joint venture aimed at developing advanced UAV technologies for European and global defense markets.
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| LBA Systems, formed by Baykar and Leonardo, will co-develop UAVs like the Bayraktar TB3 and Akıncı, targeting Europe's growing defense and tech markets. Image Courtesy: AA/ DS |
Paris, France – June 18, 2025:
Turkish UAV leader Baykar and Italian defense heavyweight Leonardo have officially launched a strategic joint venture named LBA Systems, marking a major step in Europe’s defense modernization. Announced during the International Paris Airshow, the agreement was signed by Baykar CTO Selçuk Bayraktar and Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani.
The new entity will develop and produce next-generation unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), starting with enhancements to the Bayraktar TB3 and Akıncı platforms. The venture also includes collaboration on integrated payload systems, with the ambitious goal of completing an aircraft carrier landing for the Italian Navy by the end of 2025.
Production and R&D will span four Italian sites: Ronchi dei Legionari, Turin, Tiburtina in Rome, and Grottaglie. Certification for the new systems is targeted for 2026.
Cingolani highlighted Europe's urgent need for indigenous UAV capabilities, stating, “There’s a critical gap in NATO and the EU. With Baykar, we see a partner that’s not only technically advanced but has unmatched operational capacity.”
Bayraktar echoed the sentiment, calling the partnership “a great complementary alliance” and emphasizing shared goals in security, innovation, and European market growth. He noted that Baykar currently holds 60% of the global UAV export market, with Türkiye leading at 65%.
The companies aim to expand into new markets beyond Europe, with a focus on joint product development, space technology exploration, and digital defense ecosystems. Discussions on space collaboration and commercial satellite systems are also underway.
“This isn’t just a tech agreement—it’s a strategic alliance for peace, resilience, and technological sovereignty,” Bayraktar said, adding that partnerships like these are vital in a world facing geopolitical shifts and fast-moving innovation.
Both leaders affirmed that LBA Systems will serve as a long-term platform for deeper cooperation between Türkiye and Europe in defense, aerospace, and emerging tech—strengthening not only bilateral ties but also NATO’s collective capabilities.