Baykar, the leading company in the global UCAV export market, has signed a cooperation agreement with Leonardo, one of the world’s largest defense companies. Under the agreement, the two companies will carry out joint production of UCAVs in Italy. Baykar’s superior capabilities in UCAV and artificial intelligence technology will be combined with Leonardo’s mission systems, payloads and certification capabilities. The two companies will also carry their cooperation to the field of space studies.
Baykar Teknoloji and Leonardo signed a memorandum of understanding on the development of unmanned technology. The agreement is based on the industrial synergies and complementary aspects of the two companies in the unmanned vehicles sector. The Joint Venture to be established in Italy will cover topics such as the design, development, production and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems.
ITALIAN DEFENSE MINISTER ATTENDS PARTNERSHIP CEREMONY
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto attended the signing ceremony held at Leonardo headquarters in Rome, the capital of Italy. The memorandum of understanding for the joint venture was signed by Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar and Leonardo CEO and General Manager Roberto Cingolani.
COMBINING THE TALENTS OF TWO GIANT COMPANIES
The partnership will bring together Baykar’s industry-leading unmanned platforms, which have proven their operational effectiveness in global markets, and Leonardo’s expertise in mission systems, payload design and relevant aerospace certifications in Europe. Over the next decade, the market for unmanned combat aircraft, armed UAVs and attack UAVs in Europe is expected to reach $100 billion.
SPACE STUDIES TO BE CONDUCTED
Both companies are already active in unmanned aerial vehicles, electronic systems, payloads, C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence), artificial intelligence, integrated mission systems, space equipment and services. This will enable multi-domain ecosystems to work together in harmony. Within the scope of the agreement, Baykar and Leonardo aim to jointly evaluate opportunities in European and international markets, as well as to benefit from new synergies in the space sector.
“WE WILL DEVELOP NEW GENERATION SOLUTIONS”
Baykar Chairman and Technology Leader Selçuk Bayraktar made the following statement: “As Baykar, a global leader in the development, production and export of armed unmanned aerial vehicles, we have always focused on pushing the boundaries of innovation in unmanned aviation. Leonardo’s strong foundation in world-renowned C4I systems and artificial intelligence technologies further enhances the impact of this collaboration. This strategic partnership with Leonardo is an important milestone in expanding our technology footprint and strengthening our global presence. At Baykar, we will develop next-generation solutions that will determine the future of unmanned aerial systems by combining our ethical artificial intelligence-supported technologies with Leonardo’s vast capabilities in the field of artificial intelligence technologies. This synergy will bring AI-powered air superiority for the future.”
“A BIG STEP: NEW INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE”
Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, said the following about the agreement: “Together with Baykar, we are creating a new reference player in the field of unmanned technologies that will play an increasingly central role in the future of defense. Today we are creating new opportunities, especially in the European market, by signing a new international alliance that represents a major step forward in unmanned systems. Today, the defense sector is facing unprecedented challenges, including unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, sixth generation fighter jets, cyber security and space. We believe that technological cooperation is both necessary and urgent to accelerate development and ensure global security.”
CENTERS OF JOINT INITIATIVE
The joint venture will operate from Leonardo’s Ronchi dei Legionari headquarters, which specializes in unmanned platforms. It will also use production facilities in Turin and a site in Tiburtina, Rome, for the development of integrated multi-domain technologies. Joint solutions for the space sector will be developed in Nerviano.
Source: Hurriyet.com.tr
