Italy’s Air Force is set to acquire six Astore Levante armed unmanned aircraft from LBA Systems, the Leonardo-Baykar joint venture. The initial procurement comprises three systems, each including two drones. Derived from Baykar’s TB3 and assembled in Italy, the aircraft will replace the service’s MQ-1 Predator fleet and support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, armed operations near frontline units and drone-pilot training.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Antonio Conserva disclosed the planned acquisition in Rome on 12 October. The procurement value and delivery schedule have not been disclosed, and the reported wording indicates that the contractual process may not yet be complete.
Leonardo is supplying sensors and other mission systems for the Astore Levante. Certification is expected by the end of 2026 or in early 2027, a milestone viewed as important for potential marketing elsewhere in Europe.
Italy has not yet finalised the aircraft’s weapons configuration. The Air Force is testing the integration of MBDA weapons while also considering Turkish munitions displayed with the aircraft at Farnborough. Conserva indicated that further procurement could follow, although no expansion has been approved.