Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo has announced an ambitious plan to significantly increase its orders, revenue, and profitability by the end of the decade. This strategy, which spans from 2026 to 2030, aims to elevate annual orders to EUR 32 billion, up from EUR 23.8 billion projected for 2025. Revenue is expected to rise to EUR 30 billion, nearly doubling from EUR 19.5 billion in the same timeframe.
Leonardo’s updated strategy outlines a target of cumulative orders reaching approximately EUR 142 billion and cumulative revenues of EUR 126 billion over the five-year period. The company anticipates a compound annual growth rate of around 6.1 percent for orders and 9 percent for revenues. This strategic vision follows the successful transition to a unified “One Company” structure that integrates operations across various sectors, including land, sea, air, space, and cyber activities.
Roberto Cingolani, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Leonardo, highlighted the company’s achievements under its previous industrial plan. “We have successfully met all the targets set out in our first Industrial Plan, exceeding all expectations,” he stated. Cingolani emphasized that Leonardo has invested heavily in digital technologies, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity, giving the firm a competitive advantage in addressing future security challenges.
A focal point of the new industrial strategy is the development of the “Michelangelo Dome,” a multi-domain architecture designed to enhance capabilities across various environments. This system utilizes artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and data fusion technologies to create a modular and interoperable framework capable of detecting and countering emerging threats, including ballistic missiles and drone swarms. Leonardo estimates this initiative could generate around EUR 21 billion in business opportunities over the next decade.
“The new Industrial Plan defines the Group’s trajectory through 2030, with the aim of further strengthening our role as a high-tech player in global security,” Cingolani added. He noted that the launch of the Michelangelo Dome is a tangible representation of the company’s commitment to developing sovereign and interoperable capabilities.
Leonardo also expects substantial growth across its primary business units. The cyber division is projected to see some of the highest expansion rates, with double-digit increases in orders and revenues. Similarly, the space division anticipates significant growth in orders and profitability through new partnerships and programmes within Europe.
The strategy aims to respond proactively to a rapidly changing security landscape, characterized by the proliferation of drones, cyber threats, and hypersonic weapons. As global investments in security technologies rise, Leonardo plans to increase its workforce significantly, growing from approximately 62,700 employees now to about 75,500 by 2030. Over the next five years, the company aims to recruit around 28,000 people, focusing on younger workers in STEM fields.
In tandem with its growth strategy, Leonardo has committed to a disciplined capital allocation policy that supports both organic growth and potential acquisitions. The company anticipates raising its dividend by 21 percent in 2026 and plans to continue increasing shareholder returns throughout the duration of this plan.
With these initiatives, Leonardo is positioning itself as a key player in the global security sector, ready to meet the challenges of the future while delivering substantial growth and value to its stakeholders.
