Leonardo will seek British industrial links to support a planned M‑346 bid for an emerging British jet trainer competition, newly appointed CEO Lorenzo Mariani told Aviation Week.
Leonardo plans to hold on to its stake in German defense electronics specialist Hensoldt, according to the CEO of the Italian defense giant, Lorenzo Mariani.
Development of the combat aircraft at the heart of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) is set to accelerate after prime contractor Edgewing was awarded a £4.6 billion contract.
Leonardo is planning to grow its UK headcount beyond 10,000 people as the company sees greater commitments from the government on defense and security spending.
Leonardo’s departing CEO expects the new management team to largely stay the course even if some adjustments to plans may take place, Robert Cingolani said on his last day on the job.
The EU will spend €1.07 billion ($1.26 billion) to fund 57 defense development projects, including funding for loitering munitions and space-based programs.
The regional airframer has envisaged the hybrid-electric ATR EVO since the early 2020s, and after periods of uncertainty, the project is gaining fresh momentum.