LBA Systems Unveils Its First Product, Astore Levante, at Farnborough 2026
Baykar and Leonardo joint venture LBA Systems unveiled its first product, Astore Levante, at the Farnborough International Airshow, held from July 20 to 24, 2026. LBA Systems is a 50-50 joint venture focused on the design, development, production and maintenance of unmanned aircraft systems, with Germany and France as its operational hubs.
According to a joint announcement by the two companies, the Astore Levante has already entered production, with the first deliveries to Italy scheduled by the end of 2026. The unveiling marks the formal launch of LBA Systems’ efforts to target the European unmanned aircraft market.
A European Unmanned Aircraft System Based on the Bayraktar TB3
The Astore Levante was developed around Baykar’s Bayraktar TB3 platform. Leonardo is contributing sensors, mission systems and ground-control-station technology, creating a system tailored to the operating environments of European and NATO member states.
Rather than supplying the unmanned platform itself, Leonardo is providing expertise in avionics, sensors, mission-system integration and certification. Baykar is responsible for the aircraft’s design and production. The two companies are combining those capabilities to offer an integrated package that brings together the air vehicle and its mission equipment.
A TB3 Platform Designed for Naval Operations
The TB3 is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft featuring folding wings and a design intended for operations from naval vessels. Built on the same platform, the Astore Levante is being presented as a system capable of supporting a range of missions, including maritime surveillance, reconnaissance, target identification and other forms of mission support.
However, the materials released so far do not provide specific details on the Astore Levante’s specifications, weapons configuration, operating radius or endurance. Its actual operational capabilities may vary depending on future testing and customer-specific integration requirements.
LBA Systems’ Target Market in Europe
LBA Systems aims to secure unmanned aircraft system opportunities in European and international markets. Leonardo has previously forecast that the European markets for unmanned combat aircraft, armed surveillance drones and deep-strike drones could grow to $100 billion over the next decade.
Against this backdrop, the Astore Levante can be seen as an effort to compete through an integrated solution combining sensors, mission systems, a ground control station, certification and support, rather than through the sale of an aircraft alone. Local production and maintenance capabilities demanded by European customers are expected to be key factors in future contract competitions.
Deliveries to Italy and the Outlook for Future Business
The first delivery of the Astore Levante to Italy will be a key milestone for assessing LBA Systems’ early business performance. According to the joint announcement, the aircraft is being produced in Italy, and deliveries to Italian customers are expected by the end of 2026.
LBA Systems plans to use its work in Italy as a foundation for offering the Astore Levante in European and international markets. However, the information currently available does not confirm the size of the contracts, the number of aircraft to be delivered or how individual customers will operate the system.
The Astore Levante’s success will depend on how effectively LBA Systems combines the TB3 platform’s experience in naval operations with Leonardo’s mission systems and its certification and support capabilities in Europe. The unveiling is also notable because it demonstrates that cooperation between Turkish and Italian defense companies has progressed into an actual product and production system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What kind of unmanned aircraft is the Astore Levante?
The Astore Levante is an unmanned aircraft system based on Baykar’s Bayraktar TB3 platform and integrated with Leonardo’s sensors, mission systems and ground-control-station technology.
Can the Astore Levante operate from an aircraft carrier?
The TB3, its underlying platform, is an unmanned aircraft designed with naval operations in mind. The Astore Levante has likewise been introduced as a system intended for maritime and shipboard operations, although its specific operating conditions are expected to be determined through customer-specific requirements and testing.
What is LBA Systems?
LBA Systems is a joint venture owned equally by Italy’s Leonardo and Türkiye’s Baykar. It is pursuing the design, development, production and maintenance of unmanned aircraft systems, as well as expansion into international markets.
When will the Astore Levante be delivered to Italy?
According to the companies’ joint announcement, the first aircraft is expected to be delivered to Italy by the end of 2026.
Have the Astore Levante’s detailed performance figures and weapons been disclosed?
The materials currently available do not disclose all of the aircraft’s detailed specifications, including maximum takeoff weight, endurance, operating radius and weapons load. Additional information may emerge through future testing and customer-specific integration.
