Unmanned systems in teaming: Leonardo M-346FA flies in formation with Baykar's Kizilelma

Crewed jets and unmanned systems in joint formation flight: two Leonardo M-346 aircraft and the unmanned Bayraktar Kizilelma have successfully completed autonomous formation flights in the K-SWARM programme. Taking part were an M-346 Fighter Attack (FA) from manufacturer Leonardo and, as escort aircraft, a T-346A provided by the Italian Air Force.

The tests took place in Çorlu (Türkiye). According to the two companies, they “validated collaborative and coordinated operations based on advanced next-generation algorithms”.

This marked the step from simulation into real flight operations. The tests showed how crewed-uncrewed teaming (CUC-T) and swarm tactics could shape future air combat systems. The Kizilelma returned to the M-346 on its own, controlled by Smart Fleet Autonomy algorithms from manufacturer Baykar. The M-346 pilots determined which formation was flown; the Kizilelma followed precisely.

How crewed jets and unmanned systems share data

An advanced data exchange system kept all relevant information synchronised across the platforms. The link was protected by Leonardo's GCC Tactical Platform, which monitors and secures all participating systems in real time.

The teams of both companies had spent months preparing for the live tests. They checked integration steps, scenarios and algorithms from Leonardo's avionics and flight control laboratories and from the PC2LAB in Turin. In parallel, Baykar worked advanced Smart Fleet Autonomy capabilities into the CUC-T algorithms at its own facilities. Because the Kizilelma already had extended autonomy functions, integration was considerably easier.

How K-SWARM proceeds depends crucially on the data collected. In future, the programme is to enable even more complex missions, with better situational awareness and closer interaction between crewed and uncrewed platforms. More advanced AI and algorithms are to move the systems step by step from remote control towards increasingly autonomous operation.

The aim is to relieve pilots while making military missions more effective. The first test phase shows how closely Leonardo and Baykar cooperate and demonstrates the technological goals of both companies. Further, increasingly demanding flight tests are to follow in the coming months.