Leonardo and Baykar Complete First Live Flight Test of K-SWARM Programme, Demonstrating Manned-Unmanned Teaming Capability
Italian defence group Leonardo and Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar have completed the first real-world flight test of the K-SWARM programme. The test involved coordinated operations between the M-346 Fighter Attack trainer and the Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV), focusing on autonomous formation flight, collaborative mission execution, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concepts. The milestone marks the programme's transition from laboratory simulation to live flight validation.
Highlights
- Leonardo and Baykar completed the first live flight test of the K-SWARM programme, marking the transition from simulation to real-world validation.
- The test involved three aircraft: the M-346 Fighter Attack, the Italian Air Force T-346A chase plane, and the Bayraktar KIZILELMA UCAV.
- K-SWARM aims to turn the M-346 into an airborne command node capable of directing multiple KIZILELMA UCAVs simultaneously in combat.
- The Bayraktar KIZILELMA UCAV carries a maximum payload of 1,500 kg and supports both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions.
- The test validated key MUM-T concepts including autonomous formation flight and collaborative mission execution between crewed and unmanned aircraft.
Leonardo and Baykar Complete First Live Flight Test of K-SWARM Programme
Italian defence group Leonardo and Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar have reportedly completed the first live flight test of the K-SWARM programme, successfully demonstrating coordinated combat operations between the M-346 aircraft and the Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned combat air vehicle (UCAV).
Test Overview
The flight test activity is said to have involved three aircraft operating in coordination:
- Leonardo M-346 Fighter Attack (combat attack variant)
- Italian Air Force T-346A (serving as a chase/observation aircraft)
- Bayraktar KIZILELMA unmanned combat air vehicle
According to both companies, the test focused on autonomous formation flight, collaborative mission execution, and validation of the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) operational concept.
K-SWARM Programme Objectives
Leonardo states that the K-SWARM programme aims to transform the M-346 into an airborne command node, enabling it to simultaneously coordinate and control multiple drones during combat operations. Under the envisioned concept, a single M-346 would be capable of commanding several KIZILELMA UCAVs on combat missions concurrently.
Bayraktar KIZILELMA Performance Overview
The Bayraktar KIZILELMA UCAV is reported to feature the following capabilities:
- Maximum payload capacity of 1,500 kg
- Designed to execute both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions
- Previously demonstrated autonomous flight functions and precision-guided munitions integration during earlier tests
Milestone: From Simulation to Live Flight
Leonardo noted that this live flight test marks a significant milestone, transitioning the programme from laboratory research and simulation testing into real-world flight environment validation. Both companies stated that the collaboration is committed to developing future MUM-T operational concepts — in which a crewed aircraft commands a swarm of autonomous UCAVs during combat missions — substantially enhancing overall operational effectiveness.
Image credits: Leonardo / Baykar
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