Leonardo and Baykar have demonstrated in-flight control of Baykar's Kizilelma drone from an M-346 jet trainer, marking a milestone in manned-unmanned teaming. Following an autonomous taxi and take-off, the Kizilelma autonomously linked to the M-346 using an advanced radio frequency data exchange system.
This capability allows a manned aircraft to direct an unmanned combat aerial vehicle in real time, enhancing operational flexibility and survivability. The pairing of a jet trainer with a stealthy drone could reshape how air forces conduct reconnaissance and strike missions in contested environments.
The demonstration strengthens the industrial partnership between Italy's Leonardo and Turkey's Baykar, two key players in NATO's southern flank. It also signals growing interoperability between allied defense ecosystems, though no specific procurement program has been announced.
No contract values or budget allocations were disclosed. The Kizilelma is still in development, with Baykar conducting autonomous flight tests since late 2023. The M-346 is already in service with the Italian Air Force as an advanced trainer.
Analysts caution that while the technical achievement is notable, operational integration into existing command-and-control structures will require significant investment and coordination among allied nations. The system's combat effectiveness in contested electromagnetic environments also remains untested.