Leonardo and Baykar complete first K-SWARM live flight tests in Türkiye

Leonardo and Baykar have completed the first phase of live flight tests for the K-SWARM program in Türkiye, aimed at improving coordination between crewed and uncrewed aircraft. The trials took place in May at Baykar’s flight and test center in Çorlu and were designed to assess interoperability for future combat air systems. Leonardo said the campaign used an M-346 Fighter Attack aircraft owned by Leonardo, with an Italian Air Force T-346A chase plane, alongside Baykar’s Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned fighter. The objective included validating new algorithms, tactics and procedures, with formation changes, separations and rejoins tested as the KIZILELMA responded autonomously to commands from the M-346 cockpit. A Leonardo GCC Tactical Platform protected a specialized data exchange system for synchronized, cyber-defended sharing. Following autonomous taxi and take-off, the KIZILELMA joined the M-346 and enabled the latter to assume control. Data from these flights will feed later K-SWARM stages, and further testing is planned in the coming month.