Baykar-Leonardo mid-class UAV production to finish by April, CEO says

2026-02-26 - 07:12

Production of the first mid-class unmanned aerial vehicles developed through a partnership between Türkiye's Baykar and Italy's Leonardo is expected to be completed by April, Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani announced Wednesday. Speaking at an investor and press briefing presenting Leonardo's 2025 financial results, Cingolani highlighted "extraordinary momentum" in the UAV segment through close collaboration with the Turkish drone manufacturer. Rapid Integration Cingolani noted the two companies are working daily to integrate new technologies, with significant advances achieved in just eight months. Assembly and production of the first medium-class UAVs will be finalized by April at Leonardo's Ronchi dei Legionari facility in northern Italy. Further details will be outlined in an updated strategic plan scheduled for release in coming weeks. The program covers both fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms. Testing and Market Path Before mass production and sales—expected to reach hundreds of units—the aircraft will undergo approximately one year of testing and demonstration. During coming months, the drones will showcase capabilities including landings under specialized conditions and coordinated swarm operations. Cingolani added the UAV initiative is expected to impact Leonardo's electronics division, following developments linked to the Global Combat Air Program. Investments continue as planned, with the program currently running slightly ahead of schedule.