A CMV-22B Osprey tiltroter aircraft of Fleet Logistics Multi-Mission Squadron (VRM) 50 flies over the Pacific Ocean enroute to conduct a flyover of NASCAR San Diego Weekend, on Naval Base Coronado, June 19, 2026. Marking the nation and the Navy’s 250th birthday celebrations, NASCAR San Diego Weekend, hosted aboard Naval Base Coronado June 19-21, delivers a unique, high-profiling sports experience that blends motorsports with Navy heritage. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Matt Hall)

U.S. Airmen unpack a U.S. Air Force B-52H Stratofortress aircraft after it lands at a base in the U.S. European Command area of responsibility in support of regional security in the U.S. Central Command AOR June 10, 2026. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Addison Bolt)

A French Rafale fighter jet, French Air and Space Force, flies in an echelon formation alongside NATO Allied aircraft over Finland during exercise Ramstein Flag, June 16, 2026. Ramstein Flag 2026 is a complex, large-scale, tactical level exercise which demonstrates NATO’s determination to counter modern and emerging threats through distributed operations. (U.S Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan)

A French Mirage 2000 fighter jet, French Air and Space Force, flies in a square formation alongside NATO Allied aircraft over Finland during exercise Ramstein Flag, June 16, 2026. Ramstein Flag 2026 is a complex, large-scale, tactical level exercise which demonstrates NATO’s determination to counter modern and emerging threats through distributed operations. (U.S Air National Guard photo by Master Sgt. Sarah M. McClanahan)

22 June 2026
Leonardo and Baykar set a major milestone in the development of Crewed/UnCrewed Teaming (CUC-T) and swarm tactics capabilities, after successfully completing the first phase of live testing activities for the K-SWARM programme. The programme is aimed at designing and developing interoperability between crewed and uncrewed aircraft.

Collaborative combat teaming has increasingly become a key enabler of future combat air systems, and part of the evolution of current generation fighters. Today’s design of Crewed/UnCrewed Teaming (CUC-T) is one of the fundamental strands for the transformation of military and security tools in all domains. Its’ importance is not only technological, but also operational, doctrinal and industrial. The testing was carried out in May at one of Baykar’s flight and test center in Çorlu, Türkiye. The flight test campaign involved two Leonardo M-346 airplanes - a Leonardo owned M-346 Fighter Attack Variant, with an Italian Air Force’s T-346A acting as chase aircraft - and the Bayraktar KIZILELMA Uncrewed Fighter Aircraft.

Testing activities consisted of a series of missions aimed at assessing latest generation algorithms as well as the relevant tactics and procedures developed by Leonardo at its Avionic, Flight Control Innovation Labs and product capability and concept laboratory, PC2LAB, in Turin, linked with an M-346 Full Mission Simulator in Venegono, Italy. In parallel, leveraging state-of-the-art software and hardware at Baykar facilities, Baykar integrated advanced smart fleet autonomy capabilities into the CUC-T algorithms. KIZILELMA’s advanced autonomy capabilities greatly simplified the integration process, allowing for seamless implementation and rapid deployment.

These were brought into action during the M-346/KIZILELMA formation flights, supporting the validation of advanced collaboration and coordination of different high performance combat platforms and air systems, as the programme marked the transition from simulation to live operations.

An advanced radio frequency data exchange system allowed for the synchronization of all data shared between the M-346 and KIZILELMA platforms, protected by Leonardo GCC Tactical Platform. This proprietary cyber defence platform protects and monitors systems in real time, allowing for effective command and control of the planned flight formations.

During the flight campaign, following an autonomous taxi and take-off, the KIZILELMA autonomously rejoined the M346 Fighter Attack using Smart Fleet Autonomy algorithms developed by the Baykar’s Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) Laboratory, enabling the M346 to subsequently assume full control of the unmanned aircraft. Using a newly developed fully integrated onboard avionic suite, the M-346 pilots commanded different formations which were autonomously executed by KIZILELMA through a dedicated crewed/uncrewed computing system. Different maneuvers and formations, including position changes, separations and rejoins were successfully tested with the KIZILELMA accurately responding to the M-346 commands.

The activities performed in Çorlu were the result of extensive and intense preparation work, including pilots and technicians, which were jointly carried out over several months by the Leonardo and Baykar teams. This extensive work resulted in the trials achieving the required level of technical integration of the systems, the development of testing scenarios, the algorithms validation and ensured the tests could be managed and completed safely and effectively.

The data and analysis gathered has been crucial in defining the next steps in the K-SWARM programme, as it moves into more complex operations requiring greater situational awareness and assets working together ‘as one’ towards mission objectives.

The refinement and maturity of “AI” technology, algorithms and collaborative procedures will enable the uncrewed systems to incrementally shift from remote piloting to autonomy, with the aim of reducing pilot workload and increasing mission efficiency while maintaining full control and decision-making. New tests are planned in the coming months, with increasing complexity and additional functions.

The first phase of trials demonstrates the solid partnership between Leonardo and Baykar, and their respective technology and industrial competences. It confirms the companies’ competitive advantage in the field and represents a concrete step towards the development of critical capabilities for modern combat air operations in multidomain operational scenarios.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, lands on the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) as part of Valiant Shield 2026 while underway in the Philippine Sea, June 22, 2026. Valiant Shield is a biennial, multilateral field training exercise conducted by the U.S. Armed Forces and partner nations in the Western Pacific focusing on joint, cross-combatant integration operating seamlessly across sea, air, land, and cyberspace. Exercises like Valiant Shield allow U.S. Pacific Command the opportunity to integrate forces from all branches of service and with our allies to conduct precise, lethal, and overwhelming multi-domain effects that demonstrate the strength and versatility of the Joint Force and our commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Kiah Nesbitt)

A U.S. Air Force F-35A Lightning II, assigned to the F-35A Lightning II Demonstration Team, flies alongside a vintage P-38 Lightning during a heritage flight formation at the Columbus Air Show, Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base, Columbus, Ohio, June 19, 2026. Heritage flights are symbolic aerial performances that pair modern fifth-generation fighters with historic warbirds to showcase the past, present, and future of American aviation history and air power. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Airman 1st Class Samir Harris)

Alverca, Portugal, June 23, 2026 – Embraer (NYSE: EMBJ / B3: EMBJ3) and OGMA have successfully completed the first scheduled 24- month maintenance of a C-390 Millennium aircraft operated by the Hungarian Air Force. The work was carried out at OGMA’s facilities in Portugal, representing a key milestone for the program and further strengthening the C-390 Millennium support structure in Europe. This milestone builds on Embraer’s recently signed service agreement to support the Hungarian Air Force’s C-390 Millennium fleet.

“The completion of this first C-390 Millennium maintenance at OGMA marks an important milestone for our operations,” said Brigadier General Tamás Bali PhD, Commander of the Hungarian Air Force. “We are very satisfied with the overall execution and the high level of technical expertise demonstrated by the teams. The close collaboration between the Hungarian Air Force, OGMA, and Embraer ensured a smooth and well-coordinated process. We are highly satisfied with the outcome and the level of support provided throughout the activity.”

“This maintenance event for the Hungarian Air Force’s C-390 Millennium is a significant step in strengthening our support capabilities in Europe,” said Douglas Lobo, VP Customer Support & Aftermarket Sales, Embraer Services & Support. “Working together with OGMA, we delivered a robust and efficient service that supports operational readiness and long-term customer satisfaction. This achievement reinforces our commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance capabilities to customers in Europe and worldwide.”

The services contract between Embraer and the Hungarian Air Force includes maintenance, logistics, and technical support, leveraging Embraer’s European service network. Hungary, the second NATO operator of the C-390, received its full fleet of two aircraft in November 2025. Since entering service in late 2024, the aircraft have demonstrated outstanding operational performance.

The C-390 Millennium is a next-generation multi-mission aircraft designed to operate in demanding environments. It can perform a wide range of missions, including cargo and troop transport, medical evacuation, humanitarian assistance, search and rescue, precision cargo airdrops, paratrooper operations, and air-to-air refueling. The Hungarian aircrafts are the first equipped with a modular roll-on/roll-off Intensive Care Unit (ICU), expanding their capability for advanced medical missions.