Italy becomes co-producer of Turkish Kızılelma through Leonardo-Baykar venture

Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani’s announcement to begin production of the Kızılelma unmanned fighter at the company’s Grottaglie plant has generated significant excitement, following the recent joint venture between Leonardo and Baykar that led to the creation of LBA Systems.

The collaboration aims to transfer part of Baykar’s UAV production to Italy while integrating European certification and systems expertise, Daily Sabah reports.

LBA Systems focuses on the development of unmanned technologies, leveraging industrial synergies across design, production, and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems. Production will be distributed across several Italian sites: Villanova d'Albenga, where TB2 and Akıncı drones are assembled at the Piaggio Aerospace plant; Ronchi dei Legionari, which handles TB3 naval-variant final assembly and sensor integration; and Grottaglie, which will host production of the Kızılelma fighter.

These strategies not only enhance Italian-Turkish defence cooperation but elevate Italy from a mere consumer to a co-producer, refining its expertise in unmanned systems. Italian facilities are now positioned as hubs for payload integration, system assembly, and export, offering industrial advantages and strategic assets.

Baykar contributes globally competitive products, from the TB2 and TB3 to the Akıncı and Kızılelma, characterized by rapid development, a consolidated production chain, and operational feedback from international users. Leonardo brings European certification pathways, expertise in composite aerostructures, mission systems integration, and a long-term EU logistics network. Assembling in Italy allows for shorter delivery times, smoother export approvals, and alignment with European standards, enabling flexible dual-use applications from training to civil protection.

Beyond technical benefits, the venture strengthens EU-Türkiye strategic relations. It supports the European SAFE program, enhancing defence capabilities, supply chain resilience, and interoperability. By localizing production, technology transfer, and maintenance within Italy, LBA Systems reinforces EU defence logistics while reducing industrial fragmentation.

The partnership offers a win-win model: Baykar provides operational efficiency, while European partners contribute certification, mission integration, and market access. It sets a potential blueprint for EU states seeking strategic cooperation with Türkiye, demonstrating that collaboration can advance European defence goals while incorporating Ankara’s capabilities. 

By Vafa Guliyeva