Leonardo S.p.A. is poised for significant transformation as it embarks on its ambitious Industrial Plan, announcing substantial updates to its organizational structure and enhancing its operations with the establishment of local assembly lines—a move signaling its commitment to innovation and growth.
On March 17, 2025, during its Board of Directors meeting led by Chairman Stefano Pontecorvo, Leonardo revealed the creation of two new Deputy General Managements, each focusing on distinctive areas. The first is devoted to commercial development and business program coordination, under Carlo Gualdaroni's leadership. The second encompasses Strategy, Innovation, and Strategic Alliances, directed by Simone Ungaro.
This reorganization reflects Leonardo's focus on operational acceleration, aligning with its comprehensive Industrial Plan. This plan enhances the company's capacity for organic growth by improving the execution of its order backlog, as well as establishing strategic partnerships necessary for inorganic expansion, effectively aiming to solidify Leonardo's competitive edge within the aerospace and defense sector.
Notably, the newly structured Corporate Bodies & Institutional Affairs Unit led by Filippo Maria Grasso is tasked with overseeing the integrated management of corporate governance and national and international institutional relations, reinforcing Leonardo’s strategic positioning.
Simultaneously, on March 18, 2025, Leonardo announced the launch of its first AW139 helicopter assembly line outside of Italy, set to be located at Ain Arnat Airport, Setif province, Algeria. Leonardo secured significant orders from the Algerian military, with the contract facilitating the production of seven AW139 twin-engine medium helicopters. This project is expected to not only meet Algeria's domestic needs but also to eventually tap export opportunities.
The establishment of this assembly line marks another milestone in the longstanding relationship between Leonardo and Algeria, which has evolved since the late 2000s, during which Algeria acquired approximately 70-80 helicopters from Leonardo, including models such as the AW139 and AW119. The assembly line is expected to commence production within one to two years, with assembly kits being supplied from Leonardo’s Verigiate facility near Milan.
The AW139 helicopter has garnered recognition for its versatility and operational reliability, with over 1,200 units currently operational worldwide. With diverse applications, including military missions, search and rescue, and firefighting, it embodies the strategic capabilities Leonardo aims to deliver. Its first flight occurred back in 2001, and it was formally introduced to the market two years later, earning praise across industries.
Company officials have projected broader prospects for the Ain Arnat facility, speculating it could serve as a regional hub for producing helicopters for neighboring countries eventually, thereby intensifying Leonardo’s influence on the African continent. This aligns with Leonardo's ambition to leverage its technological expertise and contribute to local industrial growth through skills transfer and capacity building.
The development of this local assembly line is considered pivotal—not just for improving Algeria’s rotorcraft capabilities but for nurturing national industrial maturity. "It not only bolsters its rotorcraft fleet but also fosters local industrial growth and technical expertise," remarked company officials, emphasizing the strategic dimensions of their partnership with Algeria.
Leonardo's Industrial Plan encompasses efforts to digitize its operations—streamlining processes and enhancing efficiencies across the board. The company's commitment to innovation is illustrated through the recent publication of POLARIS Innovation Journal's 52nd issue, dedicated to Leonardo’s transition toward becoming more digitally adept. The edition includes extensive analyses of how digital transformation, underpinned by initiatives such as the High Performance Computer davinci-1, is set to support not only operational efficiency but also sustainability through the Blue and Green transitions.
Artificial intelligence, cloud-based platforms, and digital twins are among the modern technologies paving the way for Leonardo’s digital future—significantly affecting the sectors it operates within, including air, land, sea, cyber, and space. Emphasizing sustainable innovations, these digital developments are viewed as central to Leonardo’s long-term vision.
Having established itself firmly within the international aerospace market, Leonardo is now stepping beyond traditional boundaries through regional collaborations and technological advances. This dual strategy increases both its operational capacity and its responsiveness to global market demands. With the renewed organizational structure already showing signs of purpose, combined with the AW139 assembly line poised to boost local production capabilities, it is clear Leonardo is charting a compelling course toward future growth.
The interplay of local and global business strategies exemplifies how Leonardo is well-poised to meet the challenges of the modern defense market. It reinforces the importance of fostering international relationships as the company continues to adapt and innovate within the complex and competitive aerospace environment.
