Leonardo, Baykar Complete 3-Aircraft Swarming Test in Turkey as M-346 Takes Control of Kizilelma
Updated
Updated · Breaking Defense · Jun 23
Leonardo, Baykar Complete 3-Aircraft Swarming Test in Turkey as M-346 Takes Control of Kizilelma
3 articles · Updated · Breaking Defense · Jun 23
Summary
Two Leonardo M-346 light attack jets and one Baykar Kizilelma drone completed their first joint swarming test flights in Turkey, marking the opening live-testing phase of the K-SWARM program.
May trials at Baykar’s Corlu facility tested swarming algorithms, autonomous takeoff and landing for Kizilelma, and in-flight control of the unmanned aircraft from the M-346.
An advanced radio-frequency data exchange system synchronized data between the platforms, supporting the program’s goal of interoperability between crewed and uncrewed aircraft.
The companies formed a joint venture in June 2025 to develop unmanned systems, and said the next K-SWARM phase will involve a larger number of assets.
The test places the Turkish-Italian effort among the earliest airborne loyal-wingman demonstrations as air forces push to pair next-generation fighters with combat drones.
Can the Italian-Turkish 'loyal wingman' outpace America's massive push for an AI-controlled drone fleet?
As AI drones join combat, what new rules will govern lethal decisions made by autonomous 'loyal wingmen'?
Does the Italy-Turkey drone deal signal a major geopolitical shift challenging traditional European defense alliances?
K-SWARM’s 2026 Live MUM-T Demo: M-346 and Kizilelma UCAV Pioneer Next-Gen Air Combat Integration
Overview
In May 2026, the K-SWARM program reached a major milestone by successfully demonstrating manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) in live flight tests. This achievement was made possible by Leonardo’s advanced labs in Turin, which developed new algorithms and tactics, and their connection to the M-346 Full Mission Simulator for thorough simulation and ground testing. Baykar contributed by integrating advanced autonomy into the Kizilelma UCAV, streamlining the process and enabling rapid deployment. The careful preparation and collaboration between simulation, ground testing, and autonomy integration led to a seamless and effective live demonstration of next-generation air combat teamwork.