Baykar and Leonardo Join Forces: A New Era in European Drone Technology
In a significant move that could reshape the landscape of the European drone market, Turkish UAV manufacturer Baykar has announced a partnership with Italy’s Leonardo. This collaboration aims to tap into the burgeoning $100 billion drone market in Europe over the next decade, signaling a strategic shift in defense technology and manufacturing.
The Joint Venture: A Strategic Alliance
The newly formed joint venture between Baykar and Leonardo is set to be a 50-50 partnership, with plans for drone assembly taking place in both Turkey and Italy. This dual-location strategy is designed to facilitate the certification process for selling drones in Europe, a market that is expected to see substantial growth in the coming years. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani emphasized the urgency of this collaboration, stating, “Europe has a gap in unmanned technologies, and in a complicated time like this, drones are fundamental to guarantee security.”
The Prototype and Its Capabilities
The first prototype emerging from this partnership will be a variant of Baykar’s Akinci drone, which is expected to be ready within a year. Baykar chairman Selçuk Bayraktar highlighted the drone’s impressive capabilities, noting that it can carry a payload of 1.5 tonnes, making it capable of transporting any munition that a fighter jet can carry. This versatility positions the Akinci as a formidable player in both military and surveillance operations.
Expanding Technological Synergies
Leonardo has already integrated its Gabbiano electronically scanned radar systems into Baykar’s drones, but this joint venture promises a deeper level of collaboration. Bayraktar mentioned that the partnership could explore the potential of Baykar’s Kizilelma unmanned fighter as a candidate for the ‘Loyal Wingman’ role in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a collaborative effort involving the UK, Italy, and Japan. This sixth-generation fighter is anticipated to control drones flying alongside it, enhancing operational capabilities.
The Future of Drone Development in Europe
While the GCAP partners have yet to focus on drone development, Cingolani described the collaboration with Baykar as an opportunity to explore the integration of Turkish drones into European defense systems. However, he cautioned that it is still early in the process to determine specific requirements for drone deployment. “You need to know the requirement. We still have no idea if the drones will be under the wings or taking off from a carrier or an airport,” he explained.
Manufacturing and Certification Considerations
The joint venture’s potential expansion to include drone assembly in Italy could leverage Leonardo’s facilities as well as those of Piaggio Aerospace, which Baykar acquired in December. Bayraktar confirmed that while the focus will be on drone production, the civil aviation work at Piaggio will continue. This dual focus on military and civilian applications could enhance the overall capabilities and market reach of the joint venture.
A Rapidly Evolving Defense Landscape
The press conference announcing the partnership marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding, with the completion of the joint venture expected in about six months. Cingolani noted the importance of fostering a collaborative environment, stating, “If you start discussions with lawyers you don’t get anywhere, but if you start discussions with people who really want to do things together and they have a technical vision, then things happen and happen very quickly.”
The Role of AI and Advanced Technologies
Leonardo’s involvement will also focus on providing advanced sensors and software, which are crucial for the certification and operational effectiveness of the drones. Cingolani highlighted several areas where synergies could be realized, including the creation of UAV swarms capable of navigating without GPS, leading smaller drones, and developing drones that can operate alongside sixth-generation fighters. Bayraktar praised Leonardo’s extensive AI capabilities, which could significantly enhance the operational efficiency of the drones.
Navigating Export Regulations
As the joint venture progresses, questions regarding European export restrictions loom large. Cingolani assured that the partnership would adhere to any such regulations, emphasizing the importance of compliance in the global defense market. “If I build a 25 million euro aircraft and cannot export it because of a 10,000 euro component from a country in the supply chain that stops me selling, we follow the rules, even if it is expensive,” he stated.
Shifting Defense Priorities in Europe
Italy’s decision to partner with Baykar marks a potential shift in its defense procurement strategy, moving away from reliance on U.S. drones like the Predator and Reaper. This change reflects a broader trend in Europe, where nations are increasingly prioritizing sovereignty over defense systems amid geopolitical uncertainties. Cingolani noted that the current political climate, particularly in the U.S., has created an “unprecedented sense of urgency” for European nations to bolster their defense capabilities.
Conclusion
The partnership between Baykar and Leonardo represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of drone technology in Europe. As they work together to develop advanced UAV systems, the implications for defense strategies, market dynamics, and international collaborations will be profound. The coming years will reveal how this alliance shapes the future of unmanned aerial systems in Europe and beyond.
