Italian defense giant Leonardo enters Ukraine with new Kyiv office
Illustrative photo: Leonardo opened a subsidiary in Ukraine (wikipedia.org)
Italian defense giant Leonardo has opened a subsidiary in Ukraine. It will conduct research and development in the field of defense technologies, according to Euractiv.
What Leonardo Ukraine will do
The Kyiv-based company Leonardo Ukraine is fully owned by Leonardo International, and its authorized capital amounts to 5.13 million hryvnias (over €100,000).
The company was registered in the Ukrainian business register in late May, but information about it was first disclosed in the group's semi-annual financial report.
A spokesperson for the defense giant confirmed that the legal process to begin operations has been completed.
The main areas of activity for the Ukrainian branch will be:
- Scientific and engineering research;
- Development of communications and navigation systems;
- Creation of specialized software and provision of IT services;
- Development of electronic and optical technologies.
The creation of the unit will ensure Leonardo's direct presence in the Ukrainian defense innovation ecosystem, which is centered around the state cluster Brave1.
Integration into the Ukrainian defense sector
This move is intended to bring the Italian manufacturer closer to Ukraine's rapidly developing drone and missile industry.
Furthermore, the company plans to test its Michelangelo Dome multi-domain air defense system in Ukraine.
Development of Ukraine's defense industry
Ukraine's defense sector continues to systematically transform and introduce new tools to strengthen defenders on the front line.
The state is leveraging both cutting-edge digital solutions for military logistics and international partners for technology development.
Specifically, the state marketplace Brave1 Market has expanded opportunities for units, allowing them to order drones tailored to their specific combat tasks. This enables the military to receive customized equipment instead of relying exclusively on off-the-shelf solutions.
Moreover, Ukrainian developers are constantly adapting FPV drones to the current needs of the front line.
During a special Demo Day event, the Brave1 technology cluster showcased new FPV solutions for the first time, with over 50 manufacturers presenting cutting-edge components and parts.
