Tag Archives: Leonardo

Navy

Offshore Patrol Vessel

As part of the Italian Navy OPV (Offshore Patrol Vessel) acquisition programme Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), the joint venture between Fincantieri and Leonardo, with respective stakes of 51% and 49%, has signed a contract with the Italian Secretariat General of Defence and National Armaments Directorate for the construction of three next generation patrol vessels, with the options for a further three units and infrastructural upgrades required for the naval bases in Augusta, Cagliari and Messina, where the vessels will be based.

Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV)
Three next generation patrol vessels for the joint venture between Fincantieri and Leonardo

The overall value of the contract for the first three units is euro 925 million, including the related integrated logistics support. Over the coming days, OSN will finalise the sub-contracts with Fincantieri and Leonardo, with a value respectively of around euro 540 and 255 million. The one for Fincantieri constitutes significant related party transactions defined in compliance with the applicable legislation. For Leonardo the above supply agreement, to be concluded between Leonardo and OSN, is a related party transaction of «lesser importance», taking into account the contract value and the applicable relevance indexes.

The transactions benefit of the exemption from the procedural regime provided for transactions with (even jointly) subsidiaries, pursuant to current regulations and respective procedures adopted.

The OPV program addresses the need to ensure adequate capabilities for presence and surveillance, maritime surveillance, merchant traffic control, protection of lines of communication and the exclusive economic zone, as well as activities to protect against threats from marine pollution, such as spills of toxic liquids.

With a length of about 95 metres/311.7 feet, a displacement of 2,300 tonnes and the capacity to accommodate 97 crew members on board, the new patrol vessels will be marked by their high concentration of technological solutions, as well as high standards in terms of automation and manoeuvrability, making them suitable to operate in a wide range of tactical scenarios and weather conditions.

One of the most innovative features is the «naval cockpit», developed for the Italian Navy’s Multipurpose Offshore Patrol Vessels (PPAs), on the basis of a truly revolutionary requirement: an integrated workstation was designed, co-produced by Leonardo and Fincantieri NexTech, which allows the ship and aeronaval operations to be controlled by only two operators, the pilot and copilot, who fulfil the duties of officer of the watch on the bridge and commander. Indeed, from this station, located in the command bridge, it is possible to manage the machinery, rudders and platform systems as well as some of the functions of the combat management system.

Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo, said: «This contract rewards and brings together the best of Italian technology. Leonardo and Fincantieri, through OSN, are able to offer state of the art solutions for national security. This is the fruit of a solid and prospective synergy. The Navy is guaranteed the garrison of a long-term capability».

According to Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO of Fincantieri: «The signing of this contract marks a significant achievement on a commercial level, given that the OPVs belong to the FCX family, the cornerstone of Fincantieri’s new global Defence offering. It also confirms the managerial capabilities of the Group to take on the role of strategic partner to our Navy, one of the most advanced in the world. Last but not least, the programme, through the relaunch of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, further strengthens our collaboration with Leonardo, allowing us to focus on our ship system integration expertise and, in a broader sense, reaffirming the value of our national economic system».

Air, Air Force, Fighters

Global Combat Air

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded a contract extension worth £656 million to BAE Systems to progress the concepting and technology of the next generation combat aircraft, known as Tempest in the UK.

Tempest
New multi-million pound investment to boost technologies for the UK’s future combat aircraft

The new funding will build on the ground-breaking science, research and engineering already completed under the first phase of the contract delivered by UK Tempest partners BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK and Rolls-Royce.

The UK Tempest partners, working in close collaboration with the MoD, will now progress the maturity of more than 60 cutting-edge technology demonstrations, digital concepts and new technologies. These are critical to the UK’s sovereign defence capability and will help shape the final requirements – together with the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) partners in Japan and Italy – for the combat air platform, due to enter service with the Royal Air Force by 2035.

The aircraft is designed to be an innovative stealth fighter with supersonic capability and equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including state-of-the-art sensing and protection capabilities. This will make the aircraft one of the world’s most advanced, interoperable, adaptable and connected fighter jets in service, delivering battle-winning next generation weapons to protect the UK and its allies.

«The next tranche of funding for future combat air will help fuse the combined technologies and expertise we have with our international partners – both in Europe and the Pacific – to deliver this world-leading fighter jet by 2035, protecting our skies for decades to come», said Ben Wallace, UK Secretary of State for Defence.

«Today, as planned, the UK MOD is releasing the next tranche of funding for future combat air. This shows that the UK is committed to working with international partners to deliver a next-generation fighter jet for 2035. We are facing a growing threat from our adversaries, who are investing in combat air and air defences of their own. By investing in GCAP, we will stay ahead of these intensifying and proliferating threats, and provide a highly credible deterrent capability for decades to come», said Richard Berthon, MOD Director Future Combat Air.

«This contract reflects the continued commitment by the UK Government and ensures we continue to mature this significant programme and the vital technology pipeline that will drive innovation into – and beyond – the combat air sector for decades to come. This important work is at the core of the newly created Global Combat Air Programme; a major international partnership and ambitious endeavour between the UK, Japan and Italy with the shared goal to deliver the next generation of combat air fighter jets», said Herman Claesen, Managing Director, Future Combat Air Systems – BAE Systems Air Sector.

GCAP builds on the substantial progress already made in the UK by BAE Systems, Leonardo UK, MBDA UK, Rolls-Royce and the UK MoD who have been working in partnership since 2018 to research, evaluate and develop a host of next generation future combat air systems capabilities.

The programme will span many decades, creating thousands of jobs and economic value to the UK, Italy and Japan while sustaining critical sovereign skills for the three nations. The programme is inspiring current and future generations to play their part in this vital international endeavour. There are already more than 2,800 people working at the UK partners and wider industry, with almost 600 organisations on contract, including SMEs and academic institutions.

Across UK industry, work on this programme is driving investment in new digital technologies, tools and techniques, including model-based systems engineering with open architectures, digital twins and virtual environments. This will ensure the next generation combat aircraft will be delivered more rapidly and more cost-effectively than previous combat air programmes.

Radars

Kronos

At the Paris Air Show, Leonardo showcases the latest version of its multi-function radar family for air and anti-ballistic missile defence, designed to meet the market’s new requirements.

Kronos Grand Mobile High Power
Leonardo’s Kronos Grand Mobile High Power (GMHP) radar makes its international premiere at Le Bourget

Enhanced performance through AESA electronic scanning technology and high tactical mobility with optimised deployment times.

The global market for air and missile defence radars will be worth around 102 billion euros over the decade from 2023 to 2032. Asia Pacific and Europe lead the way, followed by North America and the Middle East.

Current and future operational scenarios require increasingly advanced surveillance and protection capabilities against air and missile threats. To meet evolving operational and market requirements, building on the experience gained with the Kronos radar family, Leonardo has developed Kronos Grand Mobile High Power, an enhanced version of the sensor. The system made its public debut at an international trade fair, the Paris Air Show, which is currently in progress.

Supported by Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, the multi-function, multi-mission C-band Kronos Grand Mobile High Power (GMHP) radar focuses mainly on surveillance and air defence in land and coastal environments. Its primary mission is detecting and precisely tracking ballistic missiles, even in complex and highly disturbed environments, alongside target designation and missile guidance. The sensor’s compact design ensures high tactical mobility, fast deployment times, and a 300 km/186 miles-plus aerial surveillance range.

The latest evolution of the Kronos family provides greater power and reliability, with its new gallium nitride (‘GaN’) components – developed in-house in Leonardo’s ‘foundry’ – featuring in the thousands of Transmit Receive Modules (TRMs) comprising the antenna.

The Greek Air Force recently selected Kronos GMHP as its primary sensor for the NATO missile test range based in Crete. Italy also chose it as the surveillance and engagement radar for its version of the latest-generation SAMP/T surface-to-air missile system built by the Eurosam consortium (MBDA 66.6% – Thales Group 33.3%).

The Kronos radar family, of which the latest GMHP version is a member, is designed for land and sea domains. Kronos radars, available in fixed and mobile versions, can perform several functions simultaneously and different types of operational missions. Many countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and South America already use these systems as the central sensor of Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) architectures. There are over 40 Kronos radars in service worldwide.

Air, Air Force, Cargo

Azerbaijani Spartan

The commercial collaboration between Italy and Azerbaijan has been strengthened with the signing of the contract for the supply of the C-27J Spartan. An Azerbaijani delegation was in Italy for the contract signing in the presence of representatives of the Defence Ministers of the two countries.

C-27J Spartan
Leonardo’s C-27J Spartan is a versatile aircraft capable of performing a vast range of defence and civil protection missions

Initially linked to the energy sectors, the collaboration between Italy and Azerbaijan is now also extended to defence industry products thanks to the valuable contribution provided by the Italian Ministry of Defence working group. The programme for the purchase of the C-27J Spartan from Leonardo, a tactical transport aircraft with many years of proven experience in the most challenging operational scenarios, was finalized through a technical round table between the Italian Ministry of Defence and its Azeri counterpart. The agreement is part of the extensive modernisation programme of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, which are increasingly looking to the products of Italian industry.

Deployed in the most challenging geographic, environmental and operating conditions, Leonardo’s C-27J Spartan is an aircraft capable of executing a vast range of defence and civil protection missions.

Extensive experience gained in operations with different air forces worldwide makes it the ideal aircraft for military transport missions, airdrops of paratroopers and materials, ‘last mile’ tactical troop support, special forces operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

Air, Air Force

Grey Wolf

Boeing will begin production on the first 13 MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters, following the award of a $285 million U.S. Air Force contract for aircraft, sustainment and support services.

MH-139A Grey Wolf
A test MH-139A Grey Wolf aircraft prepares for landing at the Boeing facility in Ridley Park. Production aircraft, which are slated for delivery starting in 2024, will protect intercontinental ballistic missiles across the country (Fred Troilo photo)

«Advancing the program from testing and evaluation to production is a major step toward entering the MH-139 into service and providing the U.S. Air Force with additional missile security for decades», said Azeem Khan, Boeing’s MH-139 program director. «We are working diligently to begin deliveries next year».

The MH-139A’s enhanced capabilities allow it to accomplish missions more quickly, quietly and efficiently. With a 50 percent increase in speed and range, and an increase of 5,000 pounds/2,268 kg max gross weight, the aircraft can execute the U.S. Air Force’s mission of protecting intercontinental ballistic missiles across the country.

The MH-139A Grey Wolf team consists of Boeing, as the prime contractor, and Leonardo as an original equipment manufacturer. Leonardo produces the helicopter at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing is responsible for military equipment procurement and installation and post-delivery support of the aircraft. By offering a proven AW-139 platform and integrating additional military capabilities into the MH-139A Grey Wolf, the Boeing-Leonardo team provides the U.S. Air Force with the most capable product for the mission.

«My teammates at Leonardo, together with Boeing, are eager to continue our partnership and ensure the success of the MH-139A Grey Wolf program», said Clyde Woltman, CEO of Leonardo Helicopters U.S.

Air, Unmanned Systems

Falco Xplorer

Leonardo has successfully completed the first phase of flight testing for its Falco Xplorer drone. The system is now ready for the second phase of the campaign, which will lead to the certification of the largest uncrewed aircraft ever built by the company.

Falco Xplorer
Remotely Piloted Aircraft system for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions

In the uncrewed sector, the company’s «Be Tomorrow 2030» plan lays out its aim to consolidate a leading position in Europe, with Leonardo owning the domain technology and expertise required to offer a complete uncrewed system including the platform, sensors, mission system and ground control station. Moreover, Leonardo continues to reinforce its position in this market through participation in a number of major international collaborative programmes.

The Falco Xplorer is the first Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE)-class uncrewed system to exclusively use European technology. It is designed to deliver persistent surveillance over wide areas of interest and can carry multiple sensors weighing up to a total 350 kg/772 lbs. The Xplorer is the latest entry in Leonardo’s Falco family of uncrewed systems, which also includes the Falco Evo. The tactical-class Evo is operated by a number of international customers and has accumulated thousands of flight hours around the world, including in civil airspace.

The recent flight testing and certification activities of the Falco Xplorer took place at the Trapani Birgi military airport in Sicily with the support of the Italian Air Force’s 37°Stormo wing. During the flight tests, 37°Stormo provided all essential airport services including air traffic assistance, fire prevention and flight safety. This ensured that the flight campaign was conducted in complete safety and in accordance with sector regulations. The Falco Xplorer performed all planned flights on schedule and completed a range of complex functional tests, confirming the maturity of the platform. The behaviour of the aircraft in a number of phases of the flight envelope was also validated.

Leonardo will now move forward with a second test campaign which will take place under the supervision of the Directorate for Aeronautical Armaments and Airworthiness (DAAA). This will certify the Falco Xplorer’s ‘fitness to fly’ according to NATO standard STANAG 4671 and involve a series of increasingly complex flights. The system’s most advanced capabilities will be validated, together with the military authority, including automatic take-off and landing and satellite communications for beyond-line-of-sight operations. The Xplorer’s sensor suite will also be assessed. Made entirely in-house, the baseline suite consists of the company’s LEOSS electro-optical turret, Gabbiano TS-80 UL multimode radar, an Automatic Identification System for the monitoring of maritime traffic and the SAGE electronic intelligence system. The Falco Xplorer utilises Leonardo’s flexible ATOS mission system, which has an open architecture to allow for the integration of additional sensors, including from third parties.

Certification will enable the Falco Xplorer to fly over populated areas, significantly expanding its scope and allowing it to operate in support of public safety and civil protection missions.

The Falco Xplorer is readily exportable. It is not subject to the restrictions of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and meets the criteria for Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) class II. It has been designed to deliver strategic surveillance capabilities for military and civilian customers and can be provided either as an integrated system or as a service, managed and operated by Leonardo.

 

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION

Length 9 m/29.5 feet
Wingspan 18.5 m/60.7 feet
Height 3.8 m/12.5 feet
Maximum TakeOff Weight (MTOW) 1300 kg/2866 lbs.
Endurance >24 h
Maximum Payload >350 kg/>772 lbs.
Ceiling >9,144 m/30,000 feet
Link Range Radar Line-Of-Sight (RLOS) & Beyond Line of Sight (BLOS) (SATCOM)
Sensors Gabbiano T80UL: Multimode Synthetic-Aperture Radar (SAR) Radar Mapping, Ground Moving Target Indication, SAR up to 20’’
Electro-Optical (EO) turret: Visible/InfraRed (IR)/Laser Rangefinder; Laser Marker and LD (Laser Designator) upon request
Signals intelligence (SIGINT): Electronic intelligence (ELINT) or Communications intelligence (COMINT) suite
Automatic Identification System (AIS)

 

Air, Air Force

Grey Wolf

Boeing has delivered four MH-139A Grey Wolf test aircraft to the U.S. Air Force as the service prepares to replace its aging fleet of UH-1N helicopters.

MH-139A Grey Wolf
MH-139A Grey Wolf will protect intercontinental ballistic missiles and support four Major Air Force Commands and other operating agencies

The Grey Wolf is a multi-mission aircraft – based on the proven commercial AW139 helicopter – designed to protect intercontinental ballistic missiles and transport U.S. government officials and security forces. Boeing was awarded a $2.4 billion contract in September 2018 for 80 helicopters, training systems and associated support equipment.

«The Grey Wolf is a modern, versatile aircraft offering greater range, speed and endurance than the UH-1N Huey it replaces», said Mark Cherry, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift. «I am proud of our team who, along with our partner Leonardo, helped us to achieve this milestone – a tremendous first step in a long line of Grey Wolf deliveries».

The delivery milestone follows receipt of the Federal Aviation Administration-issued supplemental type certificate, required to commence deliveries. With aircraft in hand, the Air Force will now proceed with Military Utility Testing as the program progresses toward Milestone C.

«We are thrilled that the first four MH-139As have been accepted by the U.S. Air Force», said Clyde Woltman, chief executive officer, Leonardo Helicopters U.S. «This aircraft is well-positioned to become an important asset in the defense and security of the United States».

Leonardo produces the helicopter at its plant in northeast Philadelphia, while Boeing is responsible for military equipment procurement ad installation, and post-delivery support of the aircraft.

Boeing has the most advanced military rotorcraft in the world, renowned for leading-edge solutions that deliver proven capabilities. With 60 years of expertise and a global fleet over 2,500 strong – comprising the AH-6 Little Bird, AH-64 Apache, V-22 Osprey and H-47 Chinook aircraft, and in-development entrants, including the MH-139A Grey Wolf and DEFIANT X – Boeing advances missions ranging from precision attack and reconnaissance to medium and heavy lift operations.

As a leading global aerospace company, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. As a top U.S. exporter, the company leverages the talents of a global supplier base to advance economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing’s diverse team is committed to innovating for the future, leading with sustainability, and cultivating a culture based on the company’s core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Air

Multirole Helicopters

PZL-Świdnik, the Polish company fully owned by Leonardo, has been awarded a contract by the Polish Ministry of Defence (MoD) worth 8.25 billion PLN gross (approximately EUR 1.76 billion) for the supply of 32 AW149 multirole helicopters. The contract was announced on July 01, 2022 during an official ceremony held at PZL-Świdnik’s facility, in the presence of representatives of the Polish Government.

AgustaWestland AW149
The state-of-the-art AW149 helicopters will be able to carry out missions including troop transport and air support; the contract also includes logistics, training and simulator packages

In addition, the contract includes logistics, training and simulator packages. The logistics package includes a stock of spares and consumable parts, as well as equipment for the ground handling of the helicopters. The training and simulator package includes comprehensive training of pilots and technical personnel and the delivery of a set of advanced simulators and training equipment. The new helicopters will carry out missions including troop transport and air support. The equipment of the helicopters will also allow them to be used for casualty evacuation, search and rescue in combat operations and for the transport of goods and supplies. The helicopters’ configuration, fully meeting the requirements of the Polish Armed Forces, will also include, among others, observation systems, small arms, guided/unguided rockets and missiles and self-defence systems. The armament, depending on the helicopter variant and configuration, can be installed in the cabin or on the helicopter’s external hard points. The deliveries of the helicopters will be made in the 2023-2029 period.

Acting as the prime contractor, PZL-Świdnik will host a local production line for these new helicopters. Leonardo will therefore undertake further investments in its Polish facility in addition to approximately 1 billion EUR already invested since 2010, which has significantly strengthened the competitiveness and the industrial capabilities of PZL-Świdnik. This provides an important contribution to the Polish aerospace and defence industry, which will enable domestic production, the establishment of a logistic base and thorough technical support for the Polish MoD’s AW149s, in line with Leonardo and PZL-Świdnik’s commitment to deliver industrial benefits to Poland.

The AW149, already in service with international operators for a range of applications and under evaluation among many countries, is ideally suited to modernise defence helicopter fleets and replace a range of ageing types in the medium weight category. The AW149 is a latest generation multirole military helicopter designed from the outset to meet the most demanding needs of armed forces. The platform can be reconfigured to perform a wide variety of demanding tasks in the toughest operational conditions. The AW149’s advanced equipment, weapons and system technologies, combined with its agility, range/endurance and high power margins, highest levels of safety and survivability, provide defence users with high operational availability, mission effectiveness and cost efficiency of the fleet.

Alessandro Profumo, CEO of Leonardo, said: «The contract signed today is a continuation of the fulfillment of our promises to Poland regarding Leonardo’s commitment to the development of the local helicopter plants and the Polish supply chain to the benefit of Polish industry. By strengthening our position in the strategic Polish market, as a supplier of modern defence technology, we are proud to contribute to the constant increase of the security of the Polish nation, and to strengthen the industrial capabilities which are fundamental to the country’s resilience and sovereignty».

Gian Piero Cutillo, Managing Director of Leonardo Helicopters, said: «The state-of-the-art AW149 helicopter represents a quantum leap forward in true multirole mission and growth capability, efficient fleet management and emergency responsiveness for modern armed forces. The localisation of industrial and logistical capabilities for these new helicopters to meet Poland’s needs, leverage the long established and unique capabilities of PZL-Świdnik and its professional skills combined with the outstanding operational capabilities of the AW149 will deliver unparalleled advantages to the country».

Jacek Libucha, President of PZL-Świdnik said: «With complete capabilities in helicopter design, development, customisation and servicing, PZL-Świdnik confirms its leadership and the continuation of its 70-year heritage through the setting of key milestones for our aviation industry. I know PZL-Świdnik’s helicopters and their great capabilities well as a former military officer with experience in country and abroad. Being today on the industrial side of this experience, serving the present and future generation of soldiers as a manufacturer, I have an even greater sense of fulfillment of my duties. I am convinced that the AW149 will meet the Armed Forces’ high-end needs».

Air, Unmanned Systems

Maritime Radar onto MQ-9

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) has integrated the Leonardo Seaspray 7500E V2 multi-mode radar onto an MQ-9A Block 5 Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) and performed its first test flight on April 14, 2021. The maritime-focused radar is also being fitted for the MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPA.

MQ-9B SeaGuardian RPA
GA-ASI Integrates Leonardo Seaspray V2 Maritime Radar onto MQ-9

«The benefits of this Maritime Patrol Radar (MPR) in the complex littoral and maritime Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) environment will add world-class situational awareness for our RPA», said GA-ASI Vice President of International Strategic Development Robert Schoeffling.

Designed and manufactured in Edinburgh, UK, the Leonardo 7500E V2 radar is the latest variant of the highly successful Seaspray Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar family, featuring updated processor and receiver technology to meet the evolving demands of the ISR mission set. The 7500E V2 is the largest and most capable Seaspray AESA radar and enhances the operationally proven 7500E.

The Seaspray greatly enhances the capabilities of GA-ASI RPA and builds on the already close working partnership between GA-ASI and Leonardo.

Tony Innes, VP Sales, Radar and Advanced Targeting at Leonardo said, «GA-ASI are an important partner and I’m delighted to see our joint projects generating interest in the market. Seaspray’s long-range, wide-area maritime and ground surveillance capability makes it an ideal fit for the MQ-9A and MQ-9B. The V2 offers significant range increases for certain critical modes, improved maritime detection and the ability to handle a high number of targets, while improving on its already-capable over-land mode suite».

Navy

Vulcano naval gun

Leonardo’s OTO 127/64 LightWeight (LW) Vulcano naval defence systems have been selected by Damen to equip German Navy’s new four F126 frigates, with the addition of two optional vessels. In addition, the contract includes the supply of support for maintenance activities, simulators for crew training and on-board activities for the integration and commissioning of the system.

OTO 127-64 LW Vulcano
Damen chooses Leonardo to equip German Navy’s new frigates

The OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano naval gun is a technologically sophisticated and fully digitalized system able to provide constant support to operators and the on-board Combat Management System for the calculation of shooting solutions during mission planning. Unique in the international marketplace, Leonardo’s 127/64 LW Vulcano gun can employ equally the standard ammunition 127-mm and both variants of the company’s Vulcano 127-mm ammunition: Guided Long Range (GLR) and Ballistic Extended Range (BER). The gun extends a naval unit’s defensive capability up to 85 km/52.8 miles/45.9 NM while maintaining precision accuracy.

The new agreement builds upon a long-standing strategic partnership between Leonardo – which has different activities in the Country including Leonardo Germany GmbH subsidiary, with a production facility in Neuss – and the German Navy. Leonardo’s naval defence systems already equip German Navy vessels of various, including its Baden-Württemberg class frigates, which are also equipped with the Vulcano ammunition-firing OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano weapon system.

Hein van Ameijden, Managing Director Damen Naval says: «The F126 project is going forward with full speed and in trustworthy cooperation with the German authorities. Leonardo is the perfect partner for our mission to deliver at least four state-of-the-art frigates for the German Navy. F126 will set new standards regarding modularity and capabilities and Leonardo’s naval defence system is an important contribution».

In the naval domain, Leonardo is further consolidating the strategic and established relationship both with Damen Naval and the Royal Netherlands Navy. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has already selected the 127/64 LW Vulcano naval guns, together with the automatic ammunition loading system (Automatic Ammunition Handling System – AAHS) for standard and Vulcano ammunition, with the aim to modernise the four highly advanced air-defence and command frigates of the De Zeven Provinciën-class.

Damen Naval is building the four F126 class frigates together with its partners Blohm+Voss and Thales. Damen Naval was selected as successful bidder in 2020 following a European tender process spanning several years. The contract covers the delivery of initially four ships in the years 2028 to 2031 with an agreed option for a possible delivery of two more ships in the years after 2032. All building work will be carried out entirely in Germany at shipyards in Kiel, Hamburg and Wolgast.