Leonardo M-346 controls Baykar Kizilelma drones in flight
A Leonardo M-346 Master light attack aircraft and a Baykar Kizilema autonomous combat drone have conducted Crewed/UnCrewed Teaming (CUC-T) tests for the first time. This is an analogue to what is called Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) in USAF parlance.
First Leonardo M-346 and Baykar Kizilema drone teaming flight
Yesterday, Italy’s Leonardo and Turkey’s Baykar announced a major milestone in the development of Crewed/UnCrewed Teaming (CUC-T) and swarm tactics capabilities. It is unclear what ‘swarming’ means in this context, as it typically refers to dozens of small autonomous drones working together, not a couple of large higher-end platforms.
🔴#LDO_PR #Leonardo and @BaykarTech set a major milestone for advanced Crewed/UnCrrewed capability development with successful first K-SWARM live trials. https://t.co/WKZtLHugbM pic.twitter.com/uomPsBc46N
— Leonardo (@Leonardo_live) June 22, 2026
Leonardo says the two companies completed the first phase of live testing for the K-SWARM programme, which is an effort to develop interoperability between crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
The flight was carried out in May at Baykar’s flight and test centre in Çorlu and involved two Leonardo M-346 trainers/light attack aircraft.
One of these was an M-346 Fighter Attack Variant, and the other was an Italian Air Force T-346A. M-346 paired with the large Bayraktar Kizilema autonomous combat aircraft.
Leonardo said, “Testing activities consisted of a series of missions aimed at assessing the latest generation algorithms as well as the relevant tactics and procedures developed by Leonardo.”
ANALYSIS | Leonardo and Baykar’s latest K-SWARM trial deserves attention but not because Europe suddenly has a combat-ready “loyal wingman.”
— GeoInsider (@InsiderGeo) June 22, 2026
During the test campaign at Baykar’s Çorlu facility, a Leonardo M-346FA flew alongside the KIZILELMA unmanned combat aircraft. KIZILELMA… pic.twitter.com/ef60YWCgx4
The Italian defence contractor also noted that collaborative combat teaming is becoming a key enabler of future combat air systems and is part of the evolution of current-generation fighters.
The test allowed for the transition from simulation to live operations. Leonardo said the importance was not only technological, but also operational, doctrinal, and industrial.
First step toward autonomous flight and enhanced teaming
It should be noted that flying in formation under controlled conditions is comparatively easy compared to operating together in contested airspace with heavy electronic warfare, degraded communications, and modern air defences.
The Italian defence contractor noted that Kizilema’s advanced autonomy capabilities greatly simplified the integration process, allowing for seamless implementation and rapid deployment.
Leonardo said, “The refinement and maturity of ‘AI’ technology, algorithms and collaborative procedures will enable the uncrewed systems to incrementally shift from remote piloting to autonomy, with the aim of reducing pilot workload and increasing mission efficiency…”
New tests are planned in the coming months, with increasing complexity and additional functions.
Italy’s Leonardo is part of the consortium developing the 6th-generation Tempest/GCAP fighter jet with the UK and Japan. Bayakar has emerged as a major combat drone contractor and has acquired Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace.
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Broader European push to develop collaborative combat aircraft
The development also highlights Turkey’s emerging role in European defence aerospace. Turkey’s Hürjet trainers have attracted orders from Spain, while there are rumours that Spain might be interested in Turkey’s Kaan fighter jet under development.
The Kizilelma combat drone is seen as a potential option by some European countries. Separately, Turkey is moving forward with plans to build the world’s first full-scale, purpose-built drone carrier dubbed the MUGEM.
The United States is currently leading Europe in the development of next-generation collaborative combat aircraft (or loyal wingman drones). That said, Europe, and particularly Germany, is racing to develop its own advanced combat drones.
Notable collaborative combat aircraft programmes in Germany include Helsing’s Europa CA-1 and Airbus’ recently unveiled U760 Ravenstorm. Germany’s Rheinmetall and Airbus are also working with the US’s Anduril and Kratos to develop Europeanized variants.
Featured Image: Leonardo
