Leonardo & Baykar's Drone Tech JV, LBA Systems Takes Flight

At the International Paris Airshow in Le Bourget, Leonardo and Baykar Technologies announced the launch of a joint venture, LBA Systems, aimed at developing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the defense sector.

The agreement formalizes a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier in March 2025 in Rome and marks a new phase of cooperation between the Italian and Turkish companies.

LBA Systems will be equally owned by Leonardo and Baykar, with its legal and operational headquarters based in Italy. The joint venture will cover the full spectrum of UAS activities, including design, development, production, and maintenance. The partnership will combine Baykar’s experience in producing unmanned platforms with Leonardo’s capabilities in electronics, payloads, and certification processes.

The companies plan to pursue opportunities in European and international markets. While Baykar will concentrate on the development of advanced drone platforms, Leonardo will be responsible for integrating electronic systems, implementing manned-unmanned teaming and swarming capabilities, and handling qualification and certification tasks. They also aim to explore further areas of cooperation, including commercial use of their respective platforms and joint digital defense initiatives.

Several Leonardo facilities in Italy will support the venture, including Ronchi dei Legionari for unmanned system development, Turin for engineering and certification, Rome Tiburtina for multi-domain technologies, and Grottaglie for the production of advanced composites.