Italy orders six Astore Levante drones from Leonardo-Baykar joint venture

The Italian Air Force has ordered six armed drones from LBA Systems, the 50:50 joint venture between Italy's Leonardo and Turkey's Baykar, according to the Italian defense magazine Rivista Italiana Difesa. It is the first confirmed military order for the partnership's Astore Levante unmanned aircraft.

Air Force Chief of Staff General Antonio Conserva confirmed the acquisition on October 12, 2026. The contract covers three systems of two aircraft each, along with one ground control station able to operate both drones. Its value has not been disclosed, and further orders could follow.

The Astore Levante is intended to fill the gap left by the retirement of Italy's MQ-1 Predator fleet. Its missions are listed as intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, armed support near the front line, and crew training.

Leonardo and Baykar set up LBA Systems as an equal joint venture at the Paris Air Show in June 2025. At that event the partnership displayed the Bayraktar TB3 and Akinci drones alongside Turkish-made munitions. At Farnborough in July 2026 the venture unveiled the Astore Levante, which pairs Baykar's carrier-capable TB3 airframe with Leonardo sensors, mission systems and ground control equipment. It was shown again with Turkish weapons, including Roksetan's MAM family of precision-guided bombs and Baykar's KEMANKES-1 miniature cruise missile.

In July 2026 Leonardo said the first Astore Levante aircraft were already in production in Italy, with deliveries expected before the end of the year. Certification is expected between late 2026 and early 2027.

Italy has not yet selected weapons for the drones. Turkish munitions remain the obvious option, and Conserva told Defense News that discussions are under way.