Latest: In a major boost to carrier air power, a formal 🇮🇹Italian acquisition for an undisclosed number of Turkish #TB3 combat drones is projected for the third quarter of this year, Baykar CEO told me.
breakingdefense.com/2026/04/italy-…
2. Rome’s interest in the medium-altitude long-endurance platform has recently intensified, with the Italian Navy Chief Vice Adm. Giuseppe Berutti Bergotto solidifying rollout plans during a parliamentary hearing last month.
3. Speaking before the Italian Senate’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee on March 25, official said the TB3 “can be integrated onboard the Cavour aircraft carrier to allow both surveillance and the possibility of carrying armament.” He didn't reveal an aircraft # at the time
4. At an industry level, the engagement is largely driven by the partnership between Turkish manufacturer Baykar and the Italian defense giant #Leonardo, which established a 50-50 joint venture in June. (dubbed LBA Systems and based in Italy).
5. Bayraktar explained that the platforms are to be built at the Ronchi dei Legionari facility in Northern Italy, which, according to a Leonardo statement, serves as a “center of excellence” for unmanned systems.
6. According to available information from the Italian navy, the Cavour aircraft carrier can carry a mixed fleet of fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, totaling 20-24 units, with the F35B as the primary aircraft.
7. @federicoborsar1 an Italian fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, expects that the Italian flagship carrier could carry a minimum of 20 #TB3s, citing the drone’s foldable wings as an advantage that makes onboard storage easier. No quantities have been confirmed.
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