Strategic Alliance in Unmanned Systems: Leonardo and Baykar Launch LBA Systems

In an important development for the defense technology sector, Leonardo and Baykar have established LBA Systems, a joint venture aimed at advancing the capabilities of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This collaboration leverages the complementary technologies of both companies and aims to exploit their extensive commercial networks.

Formation of the Joint Venture

The initiative was publicly announced during the Paris Air Show 2025, with Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo, and Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman and CTO of Baykar Technologies, formalizing the agreement. Cingolani emphasized the swift development of this partnership, citing a strong alignment in technological expertise and a shared vision for the future of drone technologies.

Key Points:

• Joint Venture Structure: LBA Systems is designed as a lean enterprise, employing fewer than 20 personnel.
• Leadership: Haluk Bayraktar will serve as Chairman, while Francesco Sabatini, Leonardo’s head of Market and Competitive Intelligence, will act as CEO.
• Headquarters: Based in Italy, the new venture will utilize existing resources without necessitating significant new investments.

Integration of Capabilities

Following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025, LBA Systems is now efficiently positioned to enhance UAV capabilities. Current efforts focus on integrating various subsystems, including payloads, sensors, and flight control systems, with a particular emphasis on the TB-3 platform.

• Demonstration Goal: The venture aims to achieve autonomous landing capabilities on the Italian Navy aircraft carrier by the end of the year, an essential milestone for operational validation.

Certification and Market Expansion

Certification processes for the newly developed UAVs will occur in Italy, providing the avenue to expand into European defense markets. Three key Italian facilities will play a critical role:

• Ronchi dei Legionari: The historical site for Italian drone development.
• Grottaglie: Focused on composite materials for commercial aviation, contributing to R&D initiatives.
• Albenga: A site acquired by Baykar in late 2024, enhancing production capabilities.

The LBA Systems TB-3 is slated for certification by 2026, coinciding with initial production deliveries. This timing aligns with market forecasts suggesting a lucrative potential of $100 billion in the UAV sector over the next decade.

Systems Integration and Offerings

At the Paris Air Show, LBA Systems showcased integrated UAVs such as the TB-3 and Akinci models, illustrating how Leonardo’s technologies enhance Baykar’s platforms. Notable features include:

• Standard Onboard Systems:

  • LEOSS-T multi-sensor gimbals
  • Brite Storm electronic warfare jammers
  • Software-defined radios (SRT-800)
  • Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) transponders
• Sensor Options: A variety of radar systems and electronic warfare capabilities are available, including:
  • Gabbiano 80UL (ultralight radar)
  • Osprey 20/30

These advanced capabilities cater to both TB-3 and heavier Akinci UAVs, indicating a comprehensive approach to operational versatility.

Future Aspirations and Market Strategy

Baykar’s decision to develop proprietary propulsion systems stems from the challenges encountered with subcontractors meeting production demands. This strategic maneuver signifies a commitment to self-sufficiency and innovation.

Cingolani and Bayraktar articulated a shared outlook, focusing on nurturing partnerships rather than competition. The collaborative framework of LBA Systems aims not only to lead in unmanned aviation but also to explore synergies that could extend beyond current capabilities.

Potential Areas for Expansion:

• Development of advanced missile systems
• Ground-based unmanned systems
• Broader military applications

By establishing LBA Systems, Leonardo and Baykar are positioned to redefine the UAV landscape, combining their collective experiences and strengths to meet future defense challenges head-on.