The Italian Air Force has ordered six armed drones from the joint venture between Italy’s Leonardo and Turkey’s Baykar, LBA Systems, marking the first confirmed military order for the partnership’s Astore Levante unmanned aircraft.
Italian Air Force Chief of Staff General Antonio Conserva confirmed the acquisition on October 12, 2026, according to Italian defense magazine Rivista Italiana Difesa (RID). The contract covers three systems of two aircraft each, with certification expected between late 2026 and early 2027.
The contract covers three systems of two aircraft each, with one ground control station capable of operating both drones. Its value has not been disclosed. Further orders could follow.
The LBA Systems Astore Levante will fill the gap left by the retirement of Italy’s MQ-1 Predator fleet, conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR), armed support missions near the front line, and crew training.
LBA Systems: Baykar airframes with Leonardo mission systems
Leonardo and Baykar established LBA Systems as a 50:50 joint venture at the Paris Air Show in June 2025. At the event, the newly formed partnership displayed Bayraktar TB3 and Akinci drones alongside Turkish-made munitions.
A year later, at Farnborough in July 2026, the venture unveiled the Astore Levante, combining Baykar’s carrier-capable TB3 airframe with Leonardo sensors, mission systems and ground control equipment. The aircraft was again exhibited alongside Turkish weapons, including Roketsan’s MAM family of precision-guided bombs and Baykar’s KEMANKES-1 miniature cruise missile.
In July 2026, Leonardo announced that the first Astore Levante aircraft were already in production in Italy, with deliveries expected before year-end.
Italy has yet to select weapons for its new drones. While Turkish-made munitions remain the natural option, Conserva told Defense News discussions are underway with European missile manufacturer MBDA and smaller Italian defense companies.
Italy expands its military drone fleet
The Italian Navy is also considering the TB3 for operations aboard its aircraft carrier Cavour. The drone has already demonstrated its ability to operate from Turkey’s amphibious assault ship TCG Anadolu.
The Astore Levante follows an earlier Italian procurement program for a different Leonardo Astore drone derived from the Falco. It remains unclear whether the new order is connected to that program.
Meanwhile, Italy is expanding its larger Reaper fleet, having ordered two additional MQ-9A Block 5 drones in September 2026, with delivery expected in late 2027.