LBA Systems unveils carrier-based UCAV 'Astore Levante' at Farnborough, first deliveries to Italy

Published Jul 24, 07:04 AM UTC

At the 2026 Farnborough International Airshow, the newly formed Leonardo-Baykar joint venture LBA Systems unveiled its first product: the Astore Levante, a carrier-capable unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) based on Baykar's Bayraktar TB3. The aircraft is equipped with Leonardo mission systems and payloads, including electro-optical, radar, electronic warfare, and anti-submarine warfare options. The first batch is already in production in Italy and is expected to be delivered to an Italian end-user (likely the Italian Navy) by the end of 2026. The TB3 platform has already demonstrated operational capability with the Turkish Navy aboard TCG Anadolu and during NATO's Steadfast Dart 2026 exercise, where it flew over 230 sorties and conducted live strikes. Indonesia has also been announced as the first export customer. The Astore Levante aims to provide a near-term, interoperable European carrier-based drone capability, with the Italian Navy expected to operate it from the aircraft carrier Cavour alongside F-35B fighters.