Story perspectives

Leonardo Jet Directs Baykar Drone in Historic Swarm Trial

6/24/2026

Summary

Story summary

The joint Italian-Turkish flight demonstrated one of the first operational swarming trials where a manned jet directly commanded an autonomous combat drone.
Leonardo’s M-346 linked with Baykar’s Kizilelma drone at Çorlu, achieving autonomous take-off, data exchange and pilot-controlled flight via an advanced radio-frequency system.
The K-SWARM test, begun in May and following the June 2025 Leonardo-Baykar joint venture, will expand to more complex crewed-uncrewed trials in coming months.

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Story summary

The joint Italian-Turkish flight demonstrated one of the first operational swarming trials where a manned jet directly commanded an autonomous combat drone.
Leonardo’s M-346 linked with Baykar’s Kizilelma drone at Çorlu, achieving autonomous take-off, data exchange and pilot-controlled flight via an advanced radio-frequency system.
The K-SWARM test, begun in May and following the June 2025 Leonardo-Baykar joint venture, will expand to more complex crewed-uncrewed trials in coming months.