Eurofighter has confirmed that its export customers receive the same advanced capabilities as partner nations, countering concerns raised by recent U.S. comments. This assurance follows remarks by President Donald Trump suggesting that some foreign aircraft variants, such as the F-47 NGAD, may be “dumbed down” for non-U.S. buyers. A Eurofighter consortium representative clarified that no such limitations apply to the Typhoon. The fighter jet manufacturer is actively pursuing new export deals, with Poland and Türkiye identified as promising short-term prospects. The statement reinforces Eurofighter’s commitment to offering top-tier performance across its global customer base. Original news
Category: Italy
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo Begin Early Merger Talks on Satellite Businesses
Airbus, Thales, and Leonardo have entered early-stage discussions with EU antitrust regulators about a potential merger of their satellite operations, according to Reuters. The talks are in the pre-notification phase, indicating the beginning of a lengthy process that may not yield concrete results until sometime next year. A second source noted that France and Italy are generally supportive of the initiative. However, the European Commission’s stance will be critical, given its past opposition to similar consolidation efforts. The merger aims to strengthen Europe’s satellite manufacturing capabilities amid growing global competition. Original news
Italy Pauses Starlink Talks Amid Geopolitical Concerns and Political Pushback
Italy has paused its negotiations with Elon Musk’s Starlink over a potential deal to provide encrypted satellite communications for the Italian government. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto cited geopolitical tensions and controversial remarks related to Musk as reasons for the stall. Despite Starlink’s leading role in satellite technology, Italian opposition parties raised concerns about relying on a foreign businessman for national security infrastructure. Talks are expected to resume at a technical level once tensions ease. Meanwhile, Musk’s representative in Italy, Andrea Stroppa, stated Starlink could still serve as a short-term solution for the country’s satellite needs. Original news
MBDA to Expand Italian Operations to Meet Rising Defense Demand
MBDA plans to boost production capacity in Italy to keep pace with growing defense needs and increasing competition from firms like Lockheed Martin and Saab. The investment includes expanding research labs in Rome and opening new production lines near Naples and Parma. MBDA Italy Managing Director Giovanni Soccodato stressed the importance of strengthening Italy’s role in the European defense industry. The company also aims to hire 300 new employees by 2025 to support the expansion. The move reflects a broader push to enhance European defense capabilities amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. Original news
France, Italy, UK Secure Additional Aster Missiles for Air Defense
France, Italy, and the UK have confirmed the purchase of over 200 additional Aster 15 and 30 surface-to-air missiles from Eurosam, a joint venture between MBDA and Thales. The contract amendment, awarded by OCCAR on March 11 and announced by the French defense procurement agency (DGA) on March 14, expands an earlier order placed in December 2022. The deal includes 218 new Aster missiles and accelerates the delivery of 134 previously ordered units, scheduled for 2025-2026. The Aster 15 is optimized for short-to-medium range air defense, capable of countering high-speed, maneuvering threats in saturation attack scenarios. This procurement reinforces European […]
MBDA Boosts Missile Production Amid European Defense Push
MBDA, the European missile manufacturer co-owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, is investing $2.7 billion to ramp up production between 2023 and 2028. The company plans to double its Aster air-defense missile output by 2026 to meet Europe’s growing defense needs following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Despite this expansion, MBDA faces stiff competition from US manufacturers like Lockheed Martin, which produces significantly higher missile volumes annually. Lockheed Martin currently manufactures about 720 Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles per year, with plans to scale up to 1,100. To meet demand, MBDA is addressing supply chain bottlenecks and expanding its workforce across […]
Italy Expands Armored Forces With €1 Billion Infantry and Tank Programs
The Italian Army is set to boost its armored capabilities through the Armoured Infantry Combat Systems (AICS) and Main Battle Tank (MBT) programs, projected to generate €1 billion ($1.1 billion) in revenue. Leonardo’s updated Industrial Strategy, published on March 11, confirms plans to deliver 1,050 AICS units and 272 MBTs by 2040. The AICS will be based on Rheinmetall’s KF41 infantry fighting vehicle, while the new MBT will derive from the KF51 Panther tank. To support these developments, Leonardo and Rheinmetall established the Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) joint venture, with operations starting in Q1 2025. This initiative reflects Italy’s […]
Leonardo Estimates 350 Orders for Global Combat Air Programme by 2035
Leonardo projects 350 aircraft orders for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint initiative between Italy, Japan, and the UK, by 2035. The program, which will introduce the Tempest fighter, has secured €40 billion ($43.7 billion) in development funding from its partner nations. Japan currently operates 39 F-35A/Bs, while Italy and the UK field 31 and 35 F-35 variants, respectively. A joint venture between BAE Systems, Leonardo, and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Company will oversee aircraft production across the UK, Italy, and Japan. The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) remains focused on developing an F-2 replacement, based on the […]
Leonardo Targets €30 Billion Revenue by 2029 Amid Defense Spending Boom
Leonardo aims to reach €30 billion ($32.5 billion) in revenue by 2029, driven by rising European defense budgets and industry expansion. The forecast was announced during the company’s FY2024 results and 2025–29 industrial update on March 11. In 2024, Leonardo reported €17.8 billion ($19.8 billion) in revenue, marking a significant increase toward its long-term target. The company plans to focus on strengthening its core business sectors, particularly in defense, security, and advanced aircraft and helicopter platforms. Leonardo’s growth strategy aligns with increasing European investments in military capabilities and defense modernization. Original news
Italy Proposes €200 Billion Defense Investment Plan to EU Partners
Italy plans to introduce a guarantee scheme that could unlock up to €200 billion ($216.48 billion) in defense and aerospace investments. Economy Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti will present the proposal at a March 10 EU finance ministers meeting in Brussels. The European Security and Industrial Innovation Initiative aims to leverage €17 billion in EU guarantees to stimulate investments over five years. The plan is designed to strengthen Europe’s defense industry while minimizing the financial impact on Italy’s public finances. If approved, the initiative would significantly boost European defense capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions. Original news
Leonardo and Baykar Form Joint Venture to Tap $100B European Drone Market
Italy’s Leonardo and Turkey’s Baykar have announced a joint venture to develop unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), targeting the $100 billion European drone market over the next decade. The JV will be based in Italy, utilizing both companies’ existing facilities, with discussions already underway with their national military forces. The first drone, expected in 18 months, will be based on Baykar’s high-altitude, heavy-lift Akinci and customized for customer needs. Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani confirmed the venture will not compete with Europe’s MALE drone program, developed with Airbus and Dassault Aviation. The deal underscores Europe’s expanding UAV market and deepening defense cooperation […]
Italy Deploys SAMP/T Air-Defense System to Lithuania for NATO Exercise
Italy has deployed a SAMP/T air-defense system to Lithuania for a joint military exercise with the Lithuanian Air Force from February 10 to 20, 2025. The deployment is part of NATO’s Rotational Air Defence Model in the Baltic states, as confirmed by the Italian and Lithuanian defense ministries. Lithuanian Vice-Minister for National Defence Tomas Godliauskas emphasized that the model, approved at the 2023 Vilnius NATO summit, is strengthening air defense and deterrence across the alliance. The exercise features Lithuanian NASAMS systems, Italian and French fighter jets from NATO’s Baltic air policing mission, and the Lithuanian air operations center. The drills […]
Airbus CEO Pushes for Space Merger with Thales and Leonardo
Airbus CEO Guillaume Faury expressed interest in forming a European space alliance with Thales and Leonardo, similar to the MBDA missile consortium. Speaking during an earnings call, he urged EU antitrust regulators to adopt a more flexible approach to enable the merger. Faury emphasized that Europe has strong space technology, but greater scale is needed to stay competitive. He also noted the growing demand for low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, where U.S. and Chinese companies dominate the market. The proposal reflects Europe’s push to strengthen its space industry amid rising global competition. Original news
Leonardo Expands Production as European Defense Orders Surge
Italian defense giant Leonardo is preparing to boost production through joint ventures and industrial alliances amid rising European military spending. The company reported an 11% revenue increase in 2024, reaching €17.76 billion, driven by higher defense orders and cost-cutting measures. CEO Roberto Cingolani emphasized the need for expanded production to meet growing demand. Leonardo’s Defense Electronics and Security division led the year with €10.33 billion in orders, while the company is exploring alliances and acquisitions for its Aerostructures division. The strong performance positions Leonardo for further expansion in the European defense market. Original news
Italian Defense Chief Urges Acceleration of €23 Billion Tank and Vehicle Order
Italian Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Luciano Portolano has called on Leonardo and Rheinmetall to speed up a €23 billion ($24 billion) order for tanks and fighting vehicles to boost military readiness. The Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles joint venture plans to deliver 1,050 Lynx fighting vehicles and 272 Panther tanks. Production is expected to peak in 2031 at 171 units per year, with additional plans for export. The order is part of Italy’s broader effort to modernize its armed forces amid evolving security challenges. Original news