Baykar and Leonardo, global leaders in defense and aerospace, are preparing to share the progress of their manned-unmanned teaming for combat aircraft with the world.
The two companies will hold a briefing at the Farnborough Airshow, one of the world's most established aviation and defense exhibitions, which opens tomorrow in the UK.
The briefing will cover the 'manned-unmanned teaming' trials carried out in Turkey using the M-346 and Bayraktar KIZILELMA platforms. Baykar and Leonardo will share the critical results achieved and outline planned activities for the next phase with attendees.
Bayraktar TB3 enters European market
The Bayraktar TB3 unmanned aerial vehicle will also be exhibited. Noted for its short takeoff and landing capability from platforms with limited runway space, the TB3 serves as a flagship platform for the European market entry via LBA Systems, the joint venture of Baykar and Leonardo.
The appearance of the Bayraktar TB3 at the fair will demonstrate that the cooperation between the two companies in unmanned aerial systems is not limited to experimental work but is also supported by concrete, production-ready platforms.
Strategic message to NATO allies
The two companies' choice of one of the world's premier aviation fairs for these activities sends a strategic message to the global defense industry and NATO allies.
The partnership, viewed as a crucial element of Europe's drive to rapidly enhance its unmanned aerial systems and manned-unmanned teaming capabilities, will use the Farnborough announcement to directly present tangible progress to industry representatives and potential customers.
Foundations of the partnership
The partnership between Baykar and Leonardo began with a memorandum of understanding signed in Rome in March 2025. The formal joint venture agreement was signed at the Paris Airshow in June 2025.
The LBA Systems joint venture aims to design, develop, produce, and support unmanned aerial systems and operates as an equal partnership based in Italy.
The partnership aims to lead developments that will shape the future of unmanned aerial vehicles. While Baykar focuses on the design and development of advanced unmanned platforms, Leonardo provides state-of-the-art electronic systems and payloads, implements manned-unmanned cooperation and swarm capabilities, and is involved in qualification and certification activities.
