About
Leonardo is Italy's largest defense and aerospace group, rebranded in 2016 from Finmeccanica to carry the name of the original Renaissance polymath — an apt symbol for a company that spans helicopters, fighter jets, naval systems, and cybersecurity. Headquartered in Rome, the group employs about 53,000 people and generates annual revenue of roughly EUR 15 billion, with deep roots in the Italian state's industrial policy dating to the 1908 founding of Azienda Meccanica Meridionale.\n\nThe company's helicopter division, born from the 1976 acquisition of Agusta and the 2000 merger with Westland, builds the AW139 and AW169 — the best-selling twin-engine helicopters in their classes — used for offshore oil transport, search and rescue, and VIP travel worldwide. Its aircraft division is a core partner in the Eurofighter Typhoon program and manufactures the fuselage sections of the F-35 Lightning II at its Cameri plant in northern Italy, one of only two F-35 final assembly lines outside the United States. Leonardo's electronics division supplies radar, avionics, and electronic-warfare systems to militaries across Europe and the Middle East.\n\nFor defense and aerospace supply chains, Leonardo is a prime customer for titanium forgings, composite structures, precision machined parts, and avionics components, and its long program horizons — Typhoon production alone stretches to the 2030s — make it a stable anchor for suppliers willing to qualify into NATO-grade quality systems.
Also known as: Leonardo, Leonardo DRS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leonardo the same as Finmeccanica?+
Yes. Leonardo S.p.A. was formerly Finmeccanica — the Italian state-controlled aerospace and defense group renamed itself Leonardo in 2016.
Where is Leonardo based?+
Leonardo is headquartered in Rome, Italy. It is Italy's largest aerospace and defense company.
What does Leonardo make?+
Leonardo makes helicopters (AgustaWestland AW series), fighter jets (Eurofighter Typhoon), defense electronics, and cybersecurity systems.
What helicopters does Leonardo make?+
Leonardo's helicopter line includes the AW139, AW169 and AW189, used worldwide for offshore transport, search and rescue, and VIP travel.
