Rheinmetall reports “boom” as results hit new records with orders for vehicles, ammunition and weapons
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
Leonardo's new five year plan will set the company up as a leader in European defence electronics. (Image: Leonardo)
Leonardo will invest €200 million annually in Italy, among other efforts, as part of its five-year growth and development plan, which promises significant investment in the Italian defence industry.
Leonardo aims to achieve significant growth as a result of greater competitiveness, with improvements to production lines, logistics and supply chains.
There will be a focus on product innovation, supported by the unification of the company’s open innovation network, including public-private agreements with universities, research centres and Italian state-run technical and industrial institutions
The plan will see Leonardo invest €200 million in the Italian Industry annually, €100 million in the UK division and an additional €50 million for the first three years to optimise the company’s sites in Italy.
The key to the company’s strategy will be the ‘Factory of the Future’ intelligent factory model.
The ‘Factory of the Future’ incorporates Industry 4.0 and Digital Manufacturing systems, including robotics and new IT systems, to ensure more efficient and sustainable production.
The development of Leonardo’s production function will mean that the company’s 18 Italian centres of advanced technology will be able to manage its technology portfolio throughout the entire value creation chain.
Rheinmetall is riding high as Europe scrambles to boost its defence forces and replenish spent stockpiles sent to Ukraine.
The forecast came as the Italian firm presented its new 2025–29 industrial plan to analysts, with its future figures bolstered by the European increase in defence spending.
Speaking before a committee on European affairs, the speakers addressed recent developments following an eventful few days. During this period, the UK pushed for increased support for Ukraine, while the EU eased budget constraints to allow for greater defence spending. Meanwhile, across the Atlantic, US President Donald Trump introduced tariffs that could impact the defence industry.
NATO and other Western countries had been singing from the same song sheet since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia three years ago but the alliance has been weakened as the new US administration under President Donald Trump pauses military aid to Ukraine.
Since the release of Ireland’s Commission on the Defence Forces (CoDF) report two years ago there have been whisperings about the potential of Ireland buying fighter jets, one of the most ambitious recommendations. The prospect has now inched closer.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer raises defence spending, while both NATO and President Trump demand significant further increases.