Under the visionary leadership of technologist and former minister Roberto Cingolani, Leonardo SpA stands as Italy’s premier technology company and a cornerstone of the European defence industry. With a robust presence in land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains, Leonardo ranks among the top 15 global players in defence technology. The company’s latest project, Cúpula Michelangelo, an integrated multi-domain defence architecture, underscores its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure of national and European importance.
Leonardo’s journey began as the state-owned Società Finanziaria Meccanica, established in 1948 and better known as Finmeccanica. In January 2017, under the premiership of Paolo Gentiloni, the company was rebranded as Leonardo, honouring the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci. This transformation symbolised a new era of innovation and technological excellence.
With a commercial footprint in 150 countries and a 2024 turnover of €17.8 billion, Leonardo’s industrial activity is heavily focused on exports, accounting for over 80% of its sales. The company’s annual investment in research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) amounts to around €2.5 billion, reflecting its commitment to technological advancement. Robotics is a key area of focus, with a dedicated workforce of around 17,000 professionals driving innovation in this field.
Leonardo’s global presence is substantial, with nearly 37,000 employees in Italy and a significant international workforce. The United States is its largest market, contributing 26% of its turnover, followed by the United Kingdom at 12%. The rest of Europe accounts for 26% of sales, while 18% is exported to other regions. The Italian state remains the group’s primary shareholder through the Ministry of Economy and Finance, holding 30.20% of the share capital.
The company’s strategic alliances extend across Europe and Asia, enhancing its capabilities and market reach. Leonardo’s partnership with Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio, both undergoing integration with Airbus Space Systems and Thales, underscores its pivotal role in the international space sector. Additionally, Leonardo’s involvement in the nuclear sector through Empresa Nacional de Energía Eléctrica (ENEL) and Ansaldo Energía further diversifies its portfolio.
In the aeronautical sphere, Leonardo’s Agusta company has a storied history of producing military and civil helicopters. The AgustaWestland merger in 2000 and subsequent rebranding in 2020 highlight the company’s adaptability and innovation. Leonardo’s participation in the NH-90 military programme and its significant contract with the Saudi group The Helicopter Company for 130 helicopters demonstrate its global influence.
Leonardo’s contributions to the aeronautical industry are profound. Its Aermacchi division manufactures the M-345 and M-346 military training aircraft, serving the air forces of several nations. The company’s involvement in the F-35 programme and its partnership with BAE Systems and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries in the future GCAP fighter programme position it at the forefront of combat aircraft development.
In civil aviation, Leonardo collaborates with Airbus France in the manufacture of ATR regional commercial turboprop aircraft. The production of 24 new Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, worth around €7.4 billion, further solidifies its role in advanced aeronautical engineering. Leonardo’s contributions to the Eurofighter’s advanced Captor-E radar and its partnership with Intermarine in constructing new-generation mine hunters for the Italian Navy highlight its technological prowess.
Leonardo’s commitment to air traffic control and air defence is evident in its Kronos high-power mobile radar system, featuring active electronically scanned array (AESA) technology. This system represents a significant advancement in air defence capabilities.
Under the leadership of CEO Roberto Cingolani and Chairman Stefano Pontecorvo, Leonardo continues to drive innovation and maintain its position as a key player in the global defence industry. The company’s recent investment in keeping Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) under Italian ownership, supported by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s executive, underscores its strategic importance to Italy and Europe.
Leonardo SpA’s multifaceted approach to defence and technology, coupled with its extensive international alliances and investments, positions it as a pivotal player in shaping the future of global defence and security.