
Leonardo is a global high-tech company that operates in various sectors, including aerospace, defense, security, and energy. The company has a complex structure with multiple subsidiaries and joint ventures.
Leonardo has a strong presence in Italy, where it was founded, and has a significant presence in other European countries, as well as in the United States and other parts of the world. The company's international presence is a result of its acquisition of several companies, including Alenia Aermacchi and Finmeccanica.
Leonardo's operations are organized into several business areas, including Aeronautics, Helicopters, Space Systems, Electronics, and Cyber Security. These business areas are responsible for designing, developing, and manufacturing various products and services.
The company's structure allows for a high degree of autonomy among its business areas, enabling them to operate independently and make decisions quickly. This flexibility is crucial for a company that operates in a highly competitive and dynamic industry.
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Company History
Leonardo, a company with a rich history, was born from the state-owned Istituto per la Ricostruzione Industriale (IRI) in 1948 as Società Finanziaria Meccanica, or Finmeccanica.
Finmeccanica was established as the mechanical engineering subholding of IRI, setting the stage for the company's future growth and success.
The company has held historic Italian enterprises for years, including Alfa Romeo, which is known for its iconic automobiles.
Aeritalia, another notable enterprise, was also under Finmeccanica's umbrella, focusing on the aerospace industry.
Ansaldo, an engineering company, was also part of Finmeccanica's portfolio, showcasing the company's diverse range of expertise.
Business Structure
Leonardo's business structure is comprised of several subsidiaries, each playing a crucial role in the company's operations.
The company has a significant presence in various countries, with subsidiaries such as Leonardo Global Solutions, Leonardo International, and Leonardo Logistics operating at 100% ownership.
Leonardo UK is also a fully-owned subsidiary, indicating the company's commitment to establishing a strong presence in the UK market.
Leonardo's international presence is further expanded through its 72.3% ownership of Leonardo DRS, a significant investment in the company's global operations.
Here is a list of Leonardo's subsidiaries:
- 100% Leonardo Global Solutions
- 100% Leonardo International
- 100% Leonardo Logistics
- 100% Leonardo UK
- 72.3% Leonardo DRS
- 100% KOPTER Group
- 100% PZL-Świdnik
From Finmeccanica to

In March 2016, a company rebranding operation led by Mauro Moretti began, with a proposal to change the company name.
The company name officially changed to Leonardo on 1 January 2017, inspired by the Italian savant Leonardo da Vinci.
Mauro Moretti was replaced as CEO by Alessandro Profumo in May 2017, following a proposal by the Italian Treasury in March 2017.
Roberto Cingolani was appointed CEO and General Manager on 10 May 2023, with Stefano Pontecorvo becoming Chairman and Lorenzo Mariani taking on the role of Co-General Manager.
Leonardo has decided to cooperate with Turkish defense firm Baykar in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles.
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Subsidiaries
Our company has a diverse range of subsidiaries, each with its own unique strengths and expertise.
We have a significant presence in the global market with subsidiaries like Leonardo Global Solutions, Leonardo International, and Leonardo Logistics, all of which operate 100% under our ownership.
Leonardo UK is also a fully-owned subsidiary, giving us a strong foothold in the UK market.
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We have a significant stake in Leonardo DRS, with a 72.3% ownership, allowing us to influence its strategic direction.
We also have 100% ownership in KOPTER Group and PZL-Świdnik, giving us direct control over these subsidiaries.
Here is a list of our subsidiaries:
- Leonardo Global Solutions (100%)
- Leonardo International (100%)
- Leonardo Logistics (100%)
- Leonardo UK (100%)
- Leonardo DRS (72.3%)
- KOPTER Group (100%)
- PZL-Świdnik (100%)
Shareholder Structure
The shareholder structure of a company can significantly impact its decision-making processes and overall direction. As of March 2025, Leonardo's largest shareholder was the Italian Ministry of Economy and Finances with 30.20%.
The Italian Ministry of Economy and Finances held a significant stake in Leonardo, making it a major player in the company's operations.
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Criticisms
Leonardo, the Italian multinational company, has faced its fair share of criticisms over the years.
In 2018, the British NGO Corruption Watch published a report that highlighted some shady dealings within the company. The report, titled "Anglo Italian Job", analyzed million-pound contracts and revealed instances of lobbyists and politicians getting involved in questionable business practices.
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The report specifically looked at the former Finmeccanica group, which is now part of Leonardo, and found evidence of bribes, consultancy contracts, and private intercessions.
The Norwegian Global Government Pension Fund, which owned 1.3% of listed shares worldwide in 2018, took notice of these criticisms and decided to exclude Leonardo from its investment portfolio due to the company's failure to meet its ethical standards.
This decision was likely made after careful consideration, as the pension fund has a reputation for being responsible and socially conscious in its investments.
Spa and Manufacturing
Leonardo SpA is Italy's largest and the world's 11th largest weapons manufacturer. It owns 30% of the company, which is a significant stake.
The company's subsidiaries and brands include AgustaWestland, Alenia Aermacchi, DRS, Oto Melara, Selex ES, and WASS. This diverse portfolio highlights Leonardo's extensive reach in the industry.
Leonardo manufactures the OTO Melara 76/62 Super Rapid 72mm naval guns, which are installed on the Israeli Navy's Sa'ar 4.5, Sa'ar 5, and Sa'ar 6 warships.
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Spa

Leonardo SpA is a giant in the manufacturing world, ranking as Italy's largest and the world's 11th largest weapons manufacturer.
The company has a significant stake in the Israeli Navy, providing warship guns, including the OTO Melara 76/62 Super Rapid 72mm naval guns, which are installed on the Israeli Navy's Sa'ar 4.5, Sa'ar 5, and Sa'ar 6 warships.
The Sa'ar 6 warship was used operationally for the first time on Oct. 16, 2023, during Israel's massive attacks on Gaza.
Leonardo SpA also has a presence in the Israeli Air Force, providing its main training aircraft, the Aermacchi M-346 planes, known in Israel as the Lavi.
In 2019, the Israeli Air Force ordered seven AW119Kx Koala training helicopters, manufactured by Leonardo at its Philadelphia production facility.
Leonardo SpA's U.S. subsidiary, Leonardo DRS, merged with Israeli military radar manufacturer RADA in 2022, forming a joint company that is independently traded on the NASDAQ and Tel Aviv stock exchanges.
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Helicopter Manufacturing Subdivision
AgustaWestland, a well-known helicopter-producing subdivision, has become influential on the world stage.
The company was originally founded in 2000, when Finmeccanica merged its helicopter subsidiary, Agusta, with Westland Helicopters to create AgustaWestland.
AgustaWestland is now a subsidiary of Leonardo, a company that has been in the industry for a long time.
The company was initially an evenly split joint venture, but Finmeccanica later bought out its partner in 2004.
Some of the company's notable aircraft include the Westland Lynx, AgustaWestland T-129, and AgustaWestland AW149.
Here are some of the company's notable aircraft:
- Westland Lynx
- AgustaWestland T-129
- AgustaWestland AW149
Eurofighter GmbH: Eurofighter Typhoon Manufacturer
Eurofighter GmbH, a multinational company, was created in the 1980s to coordinate the design and production of the Eurofighter Typhoon. It was a joint venture between Airbus Defense and Space, BAE Systems Military Air & Information, and Leonardo.
The company was originally structured with Airbus Defense and Space controlling 46% of the shares, BAE Systems Military Air & Information controlling 33%, and Leonardo controlling 21%. The Eurofighter Typhoon was first introduced in 2003.
Nearly 600 aircraft have been delivered over the years, making the Eurofighter Typhoon a key element of European air superiority, according to Airbus.
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Space
Space is a fascinating topic that has inspired human innovation and exploration for centuries. The concept of space has played a significant role in the development of spa and manufacturing industries.
In the spa industry, space is crucial for creating a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for guests. A well-designed spa space can help reduce stress and promote overall well-being.
The average spa space is around 1,000 square feet, with some larger spas covering up to 5,000 square feet. This space is often utilized for various treatments and services.
The manufacturing industry also relies heavily on space to produce high-quality products. In fact, a study found that 70% of manufacturers believe that adequate space is essential for productivity and efficiency.
In contrast, a small workshop or manufacturing space can be just as effective as a larger one, with some companies achieving impressive results in compact spaces.
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Joint Ventures & Collaboration
Leonardo has dozens of different units, all of which focus on different kinds of production. One of the company's joint ventures has led it to become a major player on the regional aircraft manufacturing scene.
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The joint venture with Airbus resulted in the creation of ATR, a Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer. ATR was founded in 1981 and is headquartered in Blagnac, France.
Over the years, ATR has successfully sold over 1,700 aircraft and delivered them to over 200 operators across the globe. Its major products are the ATR 42 and the ATR 72.
The airline has been using Electronic Flight Bag on its ATR planes since 2020.
Products and Manufacturing
Leonardo's helicopter division, Leonardo Helicopters, has a rich history. It was formed in 2000 through the merger of Agusta and Westland Helicopters.
The company's predecessor, Finmeccanica, initially created AgustaWestland as a joint venture with its partner. However, Finmeccanica later bought out its partner in 2004.
Leonardo Helicopters competes with other major players in the industry, including Airbus Helicopters. This is a testament to the company's influence on the world stage.
Some of the notable aircraft built by Leonardo Helicopters include the Westland Lynx, AgustaWestland T-129, and AgustaWestland AW149.
Here are some of the aircraft built by Leonardo Helicopters:
- Westland Lynx
- AgustaWestland T-129
- AgustaWestland AW149
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Leonardo a good company to work for?
Leonardo has been recognized as one of the Best Places to Work in 2025 by Glassdoor's Employees' Choice Awards, indicating a positive work environment. This distinction is based on employee feedback, not self-nomination, making it a credible endorsement of the company's workplace culture.
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