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Italy to Acquire Turkish TB3 Combat Drones

April 7, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Italy plans to acquire an undisclosed number of Turkish TB3 combat drones.
The drones will be integrated onboard the Cavour aircraft carrier.
The acquisition is driven by a partnership between Baykar and Leonardo.
Italy will become the first European operator of the TB3.

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Strategic Implications

This acquisition may signal Italy's growing interest in unmanned systems for naval operations. The partnership between Baykar and Leonardo suggests a strengthening of ties between Turkish and Italian defense industries, which could lead to further collaborations in the future. The TB3's capabilities may indicate a shift towards more advanced, autonomous systems in European naval forces.

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What Happened

Rome Boosts Carrier Air Power With Advanced Drone Purchase

Italy is set to acquire an undisclosed number of Turkish TB3 combat drones, with a formal acquisition projected for the third quarter of this year. The drones will be integrated onboard the Cavour aircraft carrier, allowing for both surveillance and armament capabilities. The acquisition is driven by a partnership between Turkish manufacturer Baykar and Italian defense giant Leonardo, which established a joint venture in June. The TB3 is a more advanced, naval variant of the TB2, capable of short-range take-off and landing. This purchase was first reported by Breaking Defense.

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