Leonardo, Baykar tout in-flight control of Kizilelma drone from a M-346 jet trainer

Key Points:

• An Italian Leonardo M-346 jet trainer successfully controlled a Baykar Kizilelma drone during a loyal wingman trial at Baykar’s test center in Turkey, marking a significant step in crewed/uncrewed teaming capabilities.
• The trial involved autonomous taxi, take-off, and data synchronization between the M-346 and Kizilelma via an advanced radio frequency system, testing algorithms, tactics, and procedures developed by Leonardo.
• The cooperation follows a 2023 agreement between Leonardo and Baykar to build Baykar drones in Italy equipped with Leonardo systems, aiming to enhance mission efficiency and reduce pilot workload through increased autonomy.
• Baykar contributed Smart Fleet Autonomy technology to the integration, and Leonardo plans further tests with increasing complexity to advance loyal wingman and swarm tactics, supporting its role in the GCAP fighter program.
• The trial contrasts with the discontinued Franco-German-Spanish FCAS Next Generation Fighter project, highlighting ongoing European efforts to integrate crewed fighters with uncrewed systems despite industrial challenges.