LBA Systems (Leonardo-Baykar JV)

LBA Systems, a 50-50 joint venture between Italy's Leonardo and Turkey's Baykar established in June 2025, aims to design, develop, produce, certify, and maintain next-generation unmanned aerial systems (UAS) including Bayraktar TB3, Akıncı, Kızılelma, and revived Italian platforms like Mirach, with production at four Italian sites to target European and international markets, addressing NATO's UAV shortages. The program is in early development and procurement stages, with certification targeted for 2026, carrier landing tests by end-2025, and integration of Leonardo's payloads and electronics. Strategically, it enhances European defense autonomy in armed UAS for air force and naval operations, supports Italy's multi-year UAV procurement including kinetic-capable systems, and fosters NATO interoperability via local production and manned-unmanned teaming.