Leonardo CEO Denies Plans for Ukrainian Plant Amid Drone Tech Offer

Leonardo, an aerospace defense systems company, has no plans to establish a plant in Ukraine despite offering drone technology. The company has 129 production sites worldwide, with a presence in Italy, the UK, the US, and other countries. Net sales are distributed across Italy, the UK, Europe, the US, and other regions.

Leonardo, an aerospace defense systems company, has no immediate plans to establish a plant in Ukraine despite offering drone technology to the country. The company, which has 129 production sites worldwide, currently has a significant presence in Italy, the UK, the US, and other countries. Net sales are distributed across Italy, the UK, Europe, the US, and other regions, reflecting its global operations and market reach.

Leonardo's focus on Ukraine's defense needs has been primarily through the provision of drone technology, such as the Akinci and TB2 UAVs, which have been exported to at least 13 countries, including Ukraine. These drones have played a crucial role in Ukraine's defensive efforts amidst the ongoing war. However, the company has not announced any plans to set up a manufacturing facility in Ukraine.

The decision not to establish a plant in Ukraine aligns with Leonardo's broader strategy of leveraging its existing global production network. The company's extensive presence in key markets allows it to meet the diverse needs of its customers while maintaining operational efficiency. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of the current geopolitical climate, where regional self-sufficiency in critical technologies is becoming increasingly important.

Leonardo's recent acquisition of Axiomatics AB, a Swedish cybersecurity firm, underscores its commitment to modernizing defense systems. The acquisition signals the company's strategic focus on cybersecurity, a critical aspect of multi-domain warfare. This move is part of a broader trend in the European defense industry, where governments are pushing for regional self-sufficiency in critical technologies.

While Leonardo has been active in supporting Ukraine's defense needs through the provision of drone technology, the company's decision not to establish a plant in Ukraine reflects a strategic choice to prioritize its existing global production network. This approach allows Leonardo to maintain operational flexibility and respond to the evolving needs of its customers in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.

References:
[1] https://english.nv.ua/russian-war/ukraine-seeks-patriots-samp-t-nasams-as-germany-and-norway-offer-to-fund-missile-systems-50529168.html
[2] https://news.am/eng/news/892741.html
[3] https://www.ainvest.com/news/leonardo-axiomatics-acquisition-bold-move-cybersecurity-defense-nexus-2507/