Story ID: 380
Elettronica and Leonardo Strengthen Sovereign Skills
By: David Donald
Caption: Italian defense companies Elettronica and Leonardo have agreed to jointly work on new nationally important projects.
Word Count: 128
Earlier this month Italy’s two foremost defense and security companies—Leonardo and Elettronica—signed an agreement that consolidates and strengthens their strategic cooperation and grows national sovereign skills. The move allows the companies, which have complementary areas of expertise, to pursue opportunities at domestic, European, and global levels. The companies have identified maritime and avionics sectors as those of strategic interest.

Neither company is a stranger in the UAE. Leonardo has supplied and supported jet trainer aircraft, including the MB339s that equip the Al Fursan national aerobatic team, as well as a range of helicopters. Electronic warfare specialist Elettronica first supplied EW equipment to the Emirati army and air force in the 1990s, adding the navy as a customer in the 2000s.