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Italian defence prime Leonardo has stepped up collaborative efforts on the sidelines of the International Paris Air Show, signing recent agreements with Baykar Technologies and EDGE Group.
Leonardo recently announced they had established a joint venture dedicated to the development of unmanned technologies with Baykar Technologies, with both companies signing a corresponding memorandum of understanding in Rome in March this year.
Under the arrangement, both companies will be equal shareholders (50 per cent each) in the new company, named LBA Systems, which will have its legal and operational headquarters in Italy.
The joint venture leverages strong industrial synergies and will encompass the design, development, production and maintenance of unmanned aerial systems.
“Today we sign a new strategic international alliance, establishing a key player in the field of unmanned technologies,” Leonardo chief executive officer and general manager Roberto Cingolani said.
“We firmly believe that technological cooperation is a powerful means to address the unprecedented challenges facing the defence sector.
“Integrating Leonardo’s experience in certification and integrated multi-domain technologies with Baykar’s world-class unmanned platforms can truly provide a meaningful boost in seizing opportunities both across Europe and on the global stage.
“We are moving forward with the implementation of our industrial plan, focusing on internationalisation to make Leonardo a major player for global security.”
Leonardo has previously signed a strategic partnership with the United Arab Emirate’s EDGE Group to strength strategic collaboration earlier this month.
The agreement will establish a joint venture in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
The new JV will represent a landmark in global defence collaboration, covering multiple domains and integrating some of the most advanced and sophisticated technologies, including Naval C2 systems and combat system ballistic missile defence, counter-unmanned aerial systems, airborne capabilities for maritime multi-mission aircraft, optronics, air defence, and high-performance computing electronics for missile applications.
