Leonardo and Baykar Successfully Validate Manned-Unmanned Teaming via K-SWARM Trials

Italian defense giant Leonardo and Turkey’s Baykar have successfully concluded the initial test flights exploring swarming capabilities, integrating two manned M-346 light attack aircraft with a single Kizilelma unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV).

In a joint announcement released Monday, the companies confirmed that the M-346 and Bayraktar KIZILELMA performed a series of autonomous formation flights under the K-SWARM program.

These flights represent the primary phase of live operational testing. The missions were specifically designed to evaluate the swarming algorithms governing the interaction between the manned and unmanned platforms. According to the statement, the program’s core objective is the design and development of seamless interoperability between crewed and uncrewed aviation assets. The trials took place this May at Baykar’s flight facilities in Corlu, Turkey.

The tests validated the KIZILELMA’s ability to perform autonomous takeoff and landing; furthermore, the M-346 pilot demonstrated the ability to exert full control over the unmanned aircraft during flight. The companies indicated that subsequent stages of the K-SWARM program will expand the scale of operations to include a larger number of assets.

The synchronization of data between the M-346 and KIZILELMA was facilitated by an advanced radio frequency data exchange system, ensuring real-time coordination between the platforms.

This milestone follows the establishment of a joint venture between Leonardo and Baykar in June 2025, dedicated to the collaborative development of unmanned systems.

As global air forces accelerate the integration of “loyal wingman” drones to augment next-generation fighter jets, the Turkish-Italian collaboration stands as one of the first to achieve airborne validation. Similar advancements were noted in 2025, when an F-22 pilot successfully controlled a General Atomics MQ-20 Avenger drone directly from the cockpit.

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