A partnership agreement on unmanned technologies was signed between Baykar and the Italian defense company Leonardo. Selçuk Bayraktar, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Baykar, stated, “Through the synergy created by Baykar and Leonardo, a capability to truly enhance the future aviation battle has emerged. At the same time, a common defense ecosystem has been established.”

Baykar Chairman Selçuk Bayraktar discussed the agreement signed with the European defense industry giant Leonardo in Rome. When asked about the expectations regarding the agreement, Bayraktar mentioned, “Baykar is the world’s largest developer and producer of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), earning more than ninety percent of its revenues from exports, exporting UAVs to 36 countries, and a global leader organization. Leonardo also has a significant infrastructure to develop future technologies related to unmanned systems and artificial intelligence, creating a force multiplier in defense ecosystems ranging from radars to useful loads and sensors. Now, with the synergy created by Baykar and Leonardo, the ability to fully develop the aviation battle of the future is realized. In addition, a common defense ecosystem is also established.”

Regarding the goals of the collaboration, Bayraktar expressed, “From developing a common platform to combining complementary capabilities, especially focusing on unmanned aerial vehicles and related systems in Europe, as well as developing light platforms, including smart light platforms, and conducting studies related to the unmanned combat aircraft KIZILELMA, which represents the future battle.”

Collaboration is not limited to AKINCI: When asked if the main element of the partnership with the Italians was Baykar’s produced “Akıncı” UAV, Bayraktar responded, “Of course, Akıncı is particularly prominent initially but not limited to it alone. Collaboration includes all platforms, such as Bayraktar TB3, Bayraktar, TB2, KIZILELMA, and other light smart platforms such as mini smart cruise missiles and different variants of Kemankeş.”

Selçuk Bayraktar emphasized that the collaboration between Turkey and Italy would be an essential cornerstone and stated: “I believe that cooperation between our countries is crucial in terms of collaboration in other areas of technology. We should not only view this as a defense collaboration. It is actually a high-tech alliance, which, as you know, creates the greatest value, drives the entire world to a certain extent, and transforms our lives with high technological innovation. The purpose of the national technology movement we are trying to lead with millions of our youth is actually to spread high technology in the world in a way that those in need can develop it themselves. In that sense, this alliance should actually be seen as an alliance of two technology companies.”