A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between Baykar Technologies and Leonardo for the development of technologies unmanned.
The agreement is based on the industrial synergies and complementarities of the two companies in the field of technologies in the sector unmanned. Design, development, production and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems is the scope of work of the Joint Venture, based in Italy.
The partnership will leverage Baykar’s advanced unmanned platforms, which have proven operational effectiveness in markets internationally, and Leonardo’s experience in mission and payload systems design and related aeronautical certification in Europe. The European market – comprising unmanned fighters, armed surveillance drones and deep-attack drones – is expected to reach US$100 billion in the next 10 years.
The companies - both currently engaged in the development and production of UAV systems (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle), electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence), Artificial Intelligence, integrated mission systems, space equipment and services – will ensure interoperability within multi-domain ecosystems.
With the signing of the agreement, Leonardo and Baykar intend to jointly pursue opportunities both in the European and international markets, also exploiting further synergies in the space sector.
"With Baykar - says Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo - we are creating a new reference player in unmanned technologies, which will play an increasingly central role in the future of Defense. Today we are signing a new international alliance that allows a significant leap forward in the field of unmanned systems, opening up new market opportunities, especially in Europe. The defense industry is experiencing unprecedented challenges such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, the sixth generation fighter, cybersecurity and space. In this scenario, we are convinced that technological cooperation is necessary and urgent to accelerate progress and ensure global security".
Selçuk Bayraktar, president and CTO of Baykar, states: "As a global leader in the development, production and export of armed UAVs, Baykar has always been focused on pushing the boundaries of innovation in unmanned aviation. Leonardo's world-renowned capability in C4I systems and its vast know-how in Artificial Intelligence technologies make this collaboration even more significant. The strategic partnership with Leonardo marks an important milestone in expanding our technological footprint and strengthening our presence worldwide. Baykar will combine ethical AI-based technologies with Leonardo's immense capabilities in Artificial Intelligence to develop next-generation solutions that will define the future of unmanned aerial systems. Together, this synergy will lead to the ultimate AI-driven air supremacy for the future of defensive capabilities."
The Leonardo sites involved in the activities developed by the Joint Venture will be those of Ronchi dei Legionari, a specialist centre in the sector unmanned, Turin and Rome Tiburtina, respectively for the aspects related to production and for the development of integrated multi-domain technologies, and Nerviano for the offer of joint solutions for the Space sector.
