Leonardo and Baykar have announced the full operational readiness of their joint venture, LBA Systems, marking the completion of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening Europe’s position in the rapidly expanding market for uncrewed aerial systems (UAS). Following the receipt of all required regulatory authorisations and the appointment of the company’s leadership, LBA Systems is now fully operational.

The new company is equally owned by Leonardo and Baykar, with each partner holding a 50% stake. Headquartered in Italy, LBA Systems will focus on the design, development, production and lifecycle support of advanced uncrewed systems for European and international customers.

The joint venture combines Leonardo’s expertise in mission systems, advanced sensors, avionics, payload integration, certification and defence electronics with Baykar’s extensive experience in designing, developing and manufacturing operationally proven unmanned aerial platforms. To support the initiative, Leonardo has also established a dedicated Unmanned Business Unit within its Aeronautics Division to coordinate industrial activities and programme execution.

LBA Systems will develop next-generation autonomous systems incorporating artificial intelligence, cyber resilience and multi-domain interoperability, while providing a comprehensive portfolio covering intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), maritime operations and combat missions.

The company’s initial product portfolio includes six platforms spanning multiple operational categories. These include the KALKAN tactical UAV for ISR missions, the Bayraktar TB2 Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) system in two variants, the Astore Levante carrier-capable unmanned aircraft designed for short-runway and aircraft carrier operations, the AKINCI High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) platform and the KIZILELMA unmanned combat fighter aircraft.

The KIZILELMA recently demonstrated advanced crewed-uncrewed teaming capabilities during flight tests conducted alongside Leonardo’s M-346 light fighter and advanced trainer aircraft, highlighting the maturity of the platform’s autonomous systems and its interoperability with crewed combat aircraft.

The first product developed under the LBA Systems partnership is the Astore Levante, which combines the proven Bayraktar TB3 platform with Leonardo’s advanced mission systems, sensors and ground control station technologies, creating a naval unmanned aircraft optimised for expeditionary and maritime operations.

Industrial production has already commenced. Manufacturing of the initial batch of Astore Levante systems is underway at Leonardo’s facilities, with the first deliveries to the Italian end user expected later this year. Production activities for the TB2 and AKINCI platforms will be carried out at Baykar’s manufacturing facility in Italy.

By combining complementary technological capabilities and industrial capacity, Leonardo and Baykar aim to establish LBA Systems as a major European supplier of advanced autonomous systems capable of addressing the evolving operational requirements of modern armed forces while strengthening the defence industrial base of Europe and allied nations.