Baykar Technologies has signed a preliminary agreement to acquire Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace, marking a significant step toward completing the asset transfer. The company was selected as the preferred bidder by Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy on December 27, 2024. Piaggio Aerospace, encompassing Piaggio Aero Industries and Piaggio Aviation, has been under extraordinary administration since 2018. The acquisition, expected to close in spring 2025, is contingent on meeting several conditions, including approval from Italy’s Council of Ministers under the ‘Golden Power’ law. This move highlights Baykar’s strategic expansion into aviation manufacturing on an international scale. Original news
Category: Italy
Leonardo, drone maker Baykar seek ‘synergies’ on battlefield sensors
Italy’s Leonardo (DRS) and Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar are exploring a potential partnership to integrate Leonardo’s electronics and radar systems onto Baykar’s drones. The collaboration discussions follow Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani’s visit to Baykar’s Turkish facility, where he evaluated the Bayraktar TB2 and other drone platforms. A Leonardo spokesperson emphasized the interest in creating synergies between the two companies, combining Baykar’s drone expertise with Leonardo’s advanced airborne electronics and sensors. The partnership could include integrating technologies like Leonardo’s Gabbiano radar to enhance the capabilities of Baykar’s UAVs. This potential collaboration underscores growing international interest in advancing drone technologies through strategic […]
India gets an observer seat in the Eurodrone program
India has gained observer status in the Eurodrone program, a collaborative effort involving Italy, France, Germany, and Spain under OCCAR’s management. The program focuses on developing a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone for ISTAR (Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition, and Reconnaissance) missions. Key contributors include Airbus, Dassault Aviation, and Leonardo, with components like the mission computer and radar reviewed during an October visit to Leonardo’s facilities in Italy. The Eurodrone, led by Airbus, will feature a 2.3-ton payload, 40-hour autonomy, and the ability to operate in non-segregated airspace. This marks a significant step for India in advancing its collaboration with […]
German cartel office approves Rheinmetall, Leonardo joint venture
Germany’s cartel office has approved the establishment of a joint venture between Rheinmetall and Italy’s Leonardo, as announced in a statement on Monday. The collaboration, initiated last October, aims to develop and manufacture military combat vehicles, marking a significant step toward consolidating the European defense sector. Cartel office president Andreas Mundt emphasized the importance of both companies in the defense industry but noted no competition concerns arose from the joint venture. The approval was granted quickly, reflecting the strategic significance and compatibility of the partnership. This development highlights ongoing efforts to strengthen European defense capabilities through collaboration. Original news
Italy Acquires Skynex Air Defense System from Rheinmetall
Italy has ordered a Skynex air defense system from Rheinmetall for €73 million, with an option to purchase three additional systems for €204 million. Skynex is designed to counter a wide range of threats, including missiles, artillery, mortars, drones, and loitering munitions. The system includes air surveillance sensors, a command-and-control station, four 35mm Mk3 firing units, ammunition, training, and maintenance. The first system will be delivered in Q2 2026, with optional systems potentially following in 2027. This marks Italy as the first NATO member to adopt Skynex with Mk3 guns, reflecting Rheinmetall’s growing role in NATO defense programs, including combat […]
With torpedo firm buy, Fincantieri eyes $100bn undersea-defense market
Fincantieri, the Italian state shipyard, has completed the acquisition of Italian torpedo firm WASS from Leonardo for a potential total of €415 million ($428 million). The acquisition strengthens Fincantieri’s expertise in underwater acoustic technologies and advanced weapons systems, aligning with its strategy to expand its undersea business. The deal includes a fixed payment of €287 million, with the total contingent on WASS’s 2024 performance. Fincantieri predicts global undersea defense spending to reach €94 billion between 2024 and 2030, highlighting significant market potential. This acquisition positions Fincantieri as a key player in the growing undersea defence sector. Original news
Italy signs for follow-on Eurofighters
Italy has signed a deal for up to 24 new Eurofighter Typhoons (designated F-2000 in national service) to replace its retiring early-model aircraft. Leonardo announced the agreement with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency (NETMA) on December 23. Details on the tranche and the distribution of single and twin-seater aircraft were not disclosed. The new aircraft are expected to be at the Tranche 4+ standard, incorporating an E-Scan radar and improvements designed to bridge delays in the Long-Term Evolution (LTE) package for Tranche 5. This acquisition ensures Italy’s continued modernization of its air combat capabilities. Original news
Turkish drone maker Baykar buys Italy’s Piaggio Aerospace
Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar has acquired Italian aircraft producer Piaggio Aerospace, according to Italy’s industry ministry. The financial details of the acquisition remain undisclosed. Piaggio Aerospace has been under government-controlled special administration since 2018 after filing for creditor protection. Baykar’s bid was selected over two international offers for its commitment to protecting the interests of Piaggio’s workers and creditors. The deal aims to secure Piaggio Aerospace’s industrial future and strengthen its operations. Original news
Italy inks deal to buy up to 24 more Typhoons
Leonardo announced that Italy will purchase up to 24 additional Eurofighter Typhoons to replace its Tranche 1 Eurofighters. The agreement, facilitated by the Eurofighter Typhoon consortium, which includes Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo, was made in collaboration with the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency. These new aircraft will feature advanced avionics, enhanced weapon systems, and improved connectivity. Simon Ellard, general manager of the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, emphasized that the order will strengthen Italy’s air combat capabilities and support the security of Italy, Europe, and NATO. This acquisition underscores Italy’s commitment to modernizing its defense forces and […]
Italian Navy Acquires New Flagship Vessel, Trieste
The Italian Navy received the multipurpose landing helicopter deck Trieste on December 7, 2024, marking the largest post-war ship built in Italy. Constructed by Fincantieri and Finmeccanica, Trieste will serve as the flagship of Italy’s Amphibious Task Group, supporting amphibious operations, air missions, logistical support, and humanitarian efforts. The $1.3 billion vessel spans 245 meters, displaces 37,770 tons, and can accommodate 1,064 personnel, with capacity for LC-23 landing craft, LCACs, F-35Bs, CH-47 helicopters, and MV-22s. It features nine aircraft spots and a floodable dock for enhanced operational versatility. The delivery ceremony in Livorno was attended by Italian President Sergio Mattarella, […]
Hungary, Italy temporarily take on Croatian air defence
Hungary and Italy have temporarily assumed responsibility for Croatia’s air defense during its transition from MiG-21 aircraft to Dassault Rafale jets. Hungarian Air Force Saab Gripens and Italian Air Force Eurofighter F-2000s will provide air policing and quick reaction alert (QRA) until late 2025 or early 2026. This arrangement is part of NATO’s air-policing missions and comes at no cost to Croatia. The agreement signifies the official retirement of the MiG-21 from Croatian service. This collaboration ensures Croatia’s airspace security during its military modernization. Original news
Italy plans to spend 8.2 billion euros on new tanks
The Italian parliamentary committee approved an 8.2 billion euro plan to modernize the nation’s ground forces and procure new-generation tanks, as part of a defense initiative under Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. This program, set for 2025-2038, has 5.4 billion euros allocated, with the remaining 2.7 billion yet to be financed. The defense strategy reflects Italy’s response to increased geopolitical uncertainty across Europe and NATO. Though the parliamentary document omits specific companies, sources indicate the Leonardo-Rheinmetall joint venture, announced in July, is anticipated to play a key role in producing the new Italian MBT (Main Battle Tank). The initiative underscores Italy’s […]
Engine maker Renk opens shop in Italy ahead of armor spending frenzy
German propulsion company Renk is establishing a subsidiary in La Spezia, Italy, shortly after Rheinmetall and Leonardo announced plans to build tanks and infantry fighting vehicles for the Italian army in the same city. Renk sees La Spezia as a strategically important location, placing it closer to Italian customers and partners. The move positions Renk to potentially benefit from the Italian army’s massive €23 billion ($25 billion) vehicle order. The company, which generated €926 million in revenue in 2023, specializes in gear units, transmissions, power-packs, and hybrid propulsion systems. La Spezia is also home to Leonardo’s long-standing tank production operations. […]
European next-generation rotorcraft programme moves closer to reality through new MoU
Launched in 2020, the NATO-managed Next Generation Rotorcraft Capability (NGRC) program aims to replace medium multi-role helicopters reaching the end of their life cycle by 2035. Five European nations—France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and the UK—signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance the program, with concept design work expected to start in 2026. The countries aim to select a single replacement solution by 2027, targeting development by 2030. In 2024, NATO’s Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) awarded contracts to Airbus, Leonardo, and Sikorsky for integrated platform concept studies, with final reports due in October 2025. The NGRC will replace […]
Japan, UK and Italy to expedite next-generation fighter jet to replace F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons
The defense ministers of Japan, the U.K., and Italy have agreed to accelerate the development of a next-generation stealth fighter jet under the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), aiming for deployment by 2035. A trilateral organization, GCAP International Government Organization (GIGO), will be established by the end of the year to oversee the aircraft’s development, with involvement from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. The fighter jet will replace Japan’s F-2s and Eurofighter Typhoons, enhancing defense capabilities amid growing threats from China, Russia, and North Korea. GIGO will be based in the U.K. and will be led by a […]