Leonardo is at the leading edge of Italy’s industrial development and has been since 1948, paving the way for its expansion abroad. Yet, Leonardo’s industrial roots date back much further. Many companies merge into the Group over time. In some cases they change their name and specialism, and many have origins dating back to the early 1900s or even the 19th Century.
Brochure: “A legacy leading to the future”, a brief journey into Leonardo’s history
A rich heritage in Italy and the United Kingdom
Giovanni Agusta, founder of the company that bears his name, builds his first biplane in 1907. This heralds a long industrial tradition in the fixed-wing sector and then in helicopters.
In the United Kingdom, Westland Aircraft begins manufacturing warplanes for the Royal Naval Air Service in 1915 at its historic Yeovil plant. The collaboration between Agusta and Westland dates to 1965. The partnership eventually leads to the AgustaWestland joint venture, which is followed by the creation of Leonardo’s Helicopter Division.
Agusta plant, 1938
Pioneers of aviation throughout Italy
Leonardo's aeronautical tradition has many elements. Nieuport-Macchi (1913), SIAI Marchetti (1915) and Breda Aeronautica (1919) operate in Northern Italy, alongside the aeronautical activity of FIAT (1916) and Ansaldo (1917).
Officine Ferroviarie Meridionali (1904) builds its first aircraft in Southern Italy in 1925. Following different paths and bringing together various industrial businesses, they are united to form Alenia Aermacchi. In turn this becomes Leonardo’s Aircraft and Aerostructures Divisions.
Alenia Aermacchi - Nieuport XVII Transport, 1917
ELECTRONICS
150 years at the cutting edge of technology
Expertise from many businesses eventually converges into a single entity. In Italy: Officine Galileo (1864), San Giorgio (1906), Officine Marconi (1906) and Salmoiraghi (1865); in the United Kingdom: Wireless Telegraph & Signal Company (1897), Plessey (1917) and Ferranti (1882).
These companies forge their reputations in electronics, ICT, communication systems, electro-optical systems, avionics, radar and space components. Ultimately, their know-how enables the creation of Selex ES which is subsequently transformed into Leonardo’s Electronics and Cyber Security Divisions.
Officine Galileo - Laboratory from the early 1900s
Supporting the Armed Forces for more than a century
In La Spezia, Vickers-Terni (1905) develops and produces weapons and systems for the Italian Navy and Army. In Milan, Breda (1886) manufactures arms and ammunition.
Meanwhile, in Rijeka (then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire), Torpedo Fabrik von Robert Whitehead (1875) produces torpedoes for Navies both in Europe and worldwide. These pioneering companies lay the foundations for OTO Melara and WASS, which are subsequently merged into Leonardo’s Electronics Division.
WHITEHEAD plant
The end of the Second World War leaves Italian industry in a critical state. Production facilities suffer devastating damage. Businesses transformed during wartime, especially mechanical engineering companies, take on activities that are no longer sustainable in peacetime. In response, the IRI creates Finmeccanica. It is a new State holding company for the mechanical and shipbuilding industries and is entrusted with the challenge of restoring a future for these businesses.
At this time a group of Italian companies boast a strong industrial heritage, but they face an uncertain future. These businesses are re-grouped under the banner of Finmeccanica: Ansaldo, Alfa Romeo, Odero Terni Orlando, San Giorgio, Cantieri Navali dell’Adriatico and Filotecnica Salmoiraghi. The management concentrates on the automotive, rail and industrial machinery sectors, with a focus on emerging electronics.
Ansaldo San Giorgio - Three-phase alternator polar wheel - Genova Cornigliano Electrotechnical plant
Launch of the transatlantic liner Andrea Doria
Microlambda, a company specialising in research in applied electronics, is founded to build radars under a licence from US company Raytheon. Microlambda quickly develops expertise in radar technology by applying the state-of-the-art technical know-how from the United States and taking part in prestigious international programmes.
Meanwhile, the Ansaldo of Sestri Ponente (Genoa) shipyard sends the Andrea Doria on its maiden voyage. This ship is the biggest and fastest passenger vessel in the Italian fleet.
Microlambda - Wiring Department
Nuova San Giorgio rises out of a spin-off of some of the original San Giorgio's production activities. These include textile machinery, optical instrumentation and on-board auxiliary equipment. At the end of the 1950s, the company steers a new course towards the electronics sector. It begins production of numerical control systems for machine tools and postal automation systems.
San Giorgio - Coil processing plant - Genova Sestri
OTO Melara is created after numerous company changes and the spin-off of the former Odero Terni Orlando's shipbuilding activities. The new business focuses on the production of naval and land artillery. OTO Melara is soon appointed as the first contractor for the Italian Navy and Army, building military vehicles and weapons. From the 1960s onwards, it becomes an industry leader in Italy and later establishes itself on the global stage.
OTO Melara - Worker apprenticeships
Industrie Meccaniche Aeronautiche Meridionali Aerfer inherits the aeronautical factories in Pomigliano d’Arco (Naples) formerly owned by Finmeccanica, and IMAM – Industrie Meccaniche Aeronautiche Meridionali – the historic military aircraft producer.
Aerfer specialises in repair and overhaul, and aerostructures. It begins a series of collaborations with major foreign manufacturers to supply components for commercial aircraft.
Aerfer - Sagittario II supersonic fighter
After leaving the shipbuilding industry, Finmeccanica gradually concentrates on the automotive (50%), electromechanical (10%), railway (5%) and industrial machinery (5%) sectors.
To support employment, Finmeccanica launches new industrial initiatives, regularly signing agreements with foreign partners and entering diverse sectors. The most significant examples relate to electronics and radar technologies.
Genova Sestri shipyard - Leonardo da Vinci ready for launch
The electronic engineering company Sindel is founded in 1956 by a small group of Microlambda engineers, with the support of Edison in Italy.
The initial aim of the merger with Microlambda is to collaborate on the Hawk missile battery, a NATO ground defence programme. Selenia soon becomes a global centre of excellence, producing satellites, radar equipment, missile systems and technologies for telecommunications, defence and air traffic control.
Selenia - First radar technical team
Finmeccanica is a key player in the rapid industrialisation that takes place in the early 1960s. There is a boom in the automotive industry alongside development of national programmes in both the energy and transport sectors. In the second half of the decade, the Group focuses more on high-technology sectors such as automotive, thermo-electro-mechanical and aerospace.
The Autodromo di Monza sees the introduction of a revolutionary car – the Giulia. An evolution of the Giulietta, which was very successful in the 1950s, the Giulia marks the move from the historic Portello plant to the modern Arese complex. Portello can no longer handle the growing production volumes. The Giulia proves to be one of the best-selling cars in the history of Alfa Romeo.
Selenia begins designing civil air traffic control systems in 1961 and completes the ATCR-2 radar in 1963. This is the first civil radar system designed by Italian companies, building on their experience gained under NATO contract. Selenia rapidly becomes a leading player in this sector and develops greatly within the Finmeccanica Group, selling ATC systems globally.
Selenia-OTE - ATC Systems - Ground and Air-to-Ground Radio Communications
OTO Melara unveils the 76/62 Compact naval gun
Aerfer’s first major sub-contracting agreement with the American company Douglas is for DC-9 fuselage panels. The DC-9 is a new short-to-medium range passenger airliner which achieves long-term commercial success. Following this breakthrough come further collaborations with McDonnell Douglas for the DC-10 and MD-80 programmes.
The new version of the 76/62 naval gun, first introduced in the 1950s, becomes OTO Melara’s most successful product and is sold to customers worldwide.
OTO Melara - Naval cannon 76-62
Selenia participates in the NADGE programme
Finmeccanica reorganises Ansaldo to create a single complex that will lead production of plant and machinery for energy, industry and electrified transport. Thus, Asgen (Ansaldo San Giorgio Compagnia Generale) and Ansaldo Meccanico Nucleare are founded.
The NADGE (NATO Air Defence Ground Environment) ground defence system integrates the European radar network with that of NATO. This marks a turning point for Selenia as it steers towards new technological frontiers.
Selenia - Technicians working on the NADGE system
To become more competitive, the Group needs greater ‘specialisation’ in its existing sectors. This leads to a departure from the naval and ground artillery, and railway sectors.
Some of the non-core industrial activities are also sold to safeguard manufacturing and attract the interest of private investors. Meanwhile, the new Alfa Romeo production plant opens in Pomigliano d’Arco (Naples).
Aeritalia - Experience Laboratory, Pomigliano d'Arco (Naples)
Elsag is founded
The merging of Aerfer and FIAT Aviazione (and subsequently Salmoiraghi and FIAT Spazio) is significant. It creates a major corporation capable of leading the way in high-technology content for the aeronautical and space industry.
Aeritalia soon becomes globally competitive, partly due to alliances it forges with foreign manufacturers for large-scale aeronautical programmes.
In this same period, San Giorgio becomes Elsag in response to the ‘technological revolution’ of 1969, focusing on electronics and industrial automation.
Aeritalia - F104S final assembly
At the start of the 1970s, Finmeccanica undergoes a major transformation. The company drastically cuts the number of industrial sectors it operates in: concentrating on automotive (Alfa Romeo), thermo-electro-mechanical (Ansaldo) and aerospace (Aeritalia).
The Group reaches significant scale within these sectors, committing considerable financial and professional resources.
Aeritalia - G.222 front fuselage
The 1973 energy crisis triggers a recession that will affect the world economy for many years. Inflation and the crisis in its key markets forces Finmeccanica to alter its industrial policy. In 1976 a new strategic plan outlines the company's objectives: reorganisation, internationalisation and competitiveness. Meeting these aims means giving up many non-core activities. This leads to a series of companies being sold to enable the business to focus on the electro-mechanical and aerospace industries.
Presented in a preview at the Turin Motor Show in 1971, the Alfasud begins its ascent to become the most-produced model in the history of the brand. Over one million units are made between 1971 and 1989. It is also the first car manufactured at the Pomigliano d’Arco (Naples) plant, inaugurated three years earlier.
Alfa Romeo - Alfasud car assembly - Pomigliano d’Arco plant (Naples)
Developed by NASA and ESRO, the Spacelab marks a turning point for the Italian space industry. Italy becomes a key player in Europe’s space sector thanks to the expertise and technology of Aeritalia.
Other Italian and European projects follow. These transform Aeritalia into the largest Italian space company and one of the leading European space enterprises.
Spacelab in the cargo bay of the Columbia space shuttle
Finmeccanica becomes the sole owner of this fledgling company, whose future is assured by extensive international expansion.
Aeritalia's industrial capabilities soon enable it to move from the role of sub-contractor to become a partner in international programmes.
It participates from both a design and financial perspective in the space industry and in aeronautics, covering both civil and military aircraft.
Aeritalia - Assembly of avionic equipment - Nerviano plant (Milan)
The first Tornado takes flight
Launched on 26 August 1977 from the US base at Cape Canaveral, SIRIO - Satellite Italiano di Ricerca Industriale e Operativa - signals a major step forward for Aeritalia on the international space scene.
Meanwhile, in the aeronautical sector, the company flies the tri-national Tornado fighter-bomber for the first time, a project it inherits from FIAT.
Aeritalia - SIRIO Programme
For the first time, Aeritalia becomes a programme partner, this time with the world's largest aerospace company, Boeing. Collaborating with Boeing allows the company to develop innovative carbon fibre processing technology. It uses this technology to manufacture the composite materials used for the aerostructures it is responsible for in the programme.
Aeritalia quickly earns an undisputed leadership role in the sector.
Aeritalia - Boeing 767 at Caselle
In response to the energy crisis, Finmeccanica focuses on increasing the value of the railway sector. It groups together in Ansaldo Trasporti all activities relating to electrified rail transport. These include traction equipment, power supply systems, signalling, safety and control, automation systems, engines and equipment.
Ansaldo Trasporti - Carajas - São Luís railway line, Brazil
The 1980s are characterised by the long economic crisis that begins in 1973, particularly affecting the automotive sector. The decade also sees markets open up to competition. Businesses now face significant international competition, triggering a stream of acquisitions and alliances that will completely redesign entire industrial sectors within 10 years. Finmeccanica embarks on a new phase of national and international acquisitions.
Aeronautical acquisitions begin
On 16 August 1984, the ATR-42 prototype completes its maiden flight. This new regional turboprop aircraft paves the way for one of the Finmeccanica Group's biggest successes in the aeronautical industry. With this new aircraft type, Italy becomes part of a close-knit circle of nations capable of manufacturing civil airliners to the highest standards.
Aeritalia acquires Officine Aeronavali Venezia. Two years later it buys a 25% stake in Aeronautica Macchi, with which it manufactures the AMX.
ATR - ATR-42 first flight
The Eurofighter consortium is formed
The 1973 energy crisis and growing international competition has a profound impact on Alfa Romeo. The only way to ensure its future is to draw up an agreement with a rival car manufacturer in the shape of FIAT. In 1987, after being sold to FIAT, the last prestigious car conceived of and built by the Finmeccanica Group and designed by Pininfarina is released to the market: the Alfa 164.
In the meantime, Aeritalia secures a 21% share in the production of what will become Typhoon, the new-generation European fighter aircraft.
Alenia - Eurofighter Typhoon
Finmeccanica becomes a joint-stock company
At the end of the 1980s, Finmeccanica acquires companies in the electronics, industrial automation and rail signalling sectors. The aim is to increase its competitiveness internationally.
Driven by the need to secure financing and sustain growth, the company takes its first steps on the road towards being listed on the Stock Exchange. On 21 May 1987, Finmeccanica takes on the new corporate name Finmeccanica S.p.A, a joint-stock company.
Elsag - Advanced robotic systems
Finmeccanica enters a sector at the cutting edge of technology. The unmanned sector will go on to experience phenomenal development in the coming years.
Meteor boasts consolidated expertise in producing light aircraft, unmanned air targets, tactical surveillance systems and unmanned reconnaissance. It has already achieved international success.
Meteor Costruzioni Aeronautiche ed Elettroniche - Mirach 100-5
Elsag Bailey is founded
Finmeccanica enters sectors at the forefront of electronics technology. These include command and control systems, missiles, robotics, and microelectronic components.
Elsag acquires Bailey Control, an American process and service automation company. The move creates a leading global group specialising in continuous industrial process automation.
Selenia - ATCR-33 Primary Radar
The ETR 500 takes off
The creation of Alenia is built on extensive advanced technology, integrating expertise in aeronautics, space and electronics. It forms part of the Aeronautics, Defence Systems and Civil Systems Divisions. The space activity of the new Group is integrated into Alenia Spazio while developing electronic and underwater systems for military ships becomes the responsibility of the Alenia-Elsag Sistemi Navali consortium.
Meanwhile, the forerunner of the High-Speed Train, the ETR 500, enters operation.
Alenia - Alenia is created from the merger of Selenia with Aeritalia
The early 1990s sees seismic changes with the end of the Cold War and reductions in defence and space budgets. Globalisation gathers pace, along with the reorganisation of the European aerospace industry. This restructuring reveals the strategic need to create alliances to counteract growing competition. Drawing strength from its 1997 Recovery and Development Plan, Finmeccanica establishes its position as a leader on the international stage.
The creation of Ansaldo Energia sees the merging of Ansaldo GIE (plant engineering), Ansaldo Componenti (turbines and boilers) and the Turbine Caldaie Legnano factory (formerly Franco Tosi) into the new company.
The transformer business is sold to Asea Brown Boveri. At the same time, Ansaldo leaves the nuclear sector following the 1987 Italian referendum.
The company decides to retain its decommissioning activities in Italy and to participate only in key international projects.
Ansaldo Energia - Gas turbine
The first VTS centre is inaugurated in Italy
By merging with its subsidiary Sifa, Finmeccanica is officially listed on the Milan Stock Exchange under the corporate name Finmeccanica Società per Azioni (Finmeccanica S.p.A). One year later, Finmeccanica becomes an integrated Group by merging with its listed companies (Alenia, Elsag Bailey and Ansaldo). The first Italian VTS (Vessel Traffic Management) centre for maritime and port traffic management is inaugurated in Messina.
Alenia Difesa - VTS National Control Centre, Rome
The Eurofighter prototype takes flight
Strengthened by contributions from newly-acquired companies, Finmeccanica now controls more than 70% of the national aerospace and defence sector.
These businesses comprise Agusta (helicopters), Breda Meccanica Bresciana (naval and ground artillery), Breda Costruzioni Ferroviarie (trains), Officine Galileo (electro-optical systems), OTO Melara (land and naval weapons), SMA (naval and ground radar), BredaMenarinibus (buses).
27 March 1994 is a landmark date as the first Eurofighter prototype takes flight.
Agusta - A129
The NH90 flies for the first time
WASS is formed through the merger of the underwater activity of the Alenia Elsag Sistemi Navali consortium with Whitehead (acquired from FIAT), a company that brings with it a long heritage in the production of torpedoes. Robert Whitehead, inventor of the first torpedo, opened the Whitehead company in Trieste at the end of the 19th Century.
Agusta, as part of a consortium alongside French, German and Dutch companies, flies the first NATO NH90 helicopter.
Wass - A.244-S torpedo in loading phase
Ansaldo Signal is founded
Finmeccanica reshapes its activities into macro divisions: Alenia Aerospazio (aeronautics and space), Agusta Elicotteri (helicopters), Alenia Difesa (divided into OTOBreda weapon systems, radar systems, missile systems, naval systems, avionics systems and equipment), Ansaldo (energy, industrial systems, transportation) and Elsag Bailey (industrial automation).
All the rail signalling activities form part of newly-established Ansaldo Signal.
Alenia Difesa - RAT31 SL Radar - Borgo Piave (Latina)
The new Elsag is unveiled
The AW101 is operational
AMS combines the activities of Alenia Difesa and Marconi Electronic Systems (division of the British General Electric Company). It brings together expertise in naval and ground radar, missiles, air traffic control, land and naval command and control systems, and simulation.
After the sale of Elsag Bailey Process Automation, the new Elsag is established. It focuses its efforts on Information & Communication Technology.
The AW101 multi-role helicopter enters operation. It will go on to be one of AgustaWestland's flagship successes.
AgustaWestland - AW101
Finmeccanica is privatised
The AgustaWestland joint venture combines the helicopter activities of Agusta and Westland Helicopters, which belongs to the British GKN Group. By bringing the businesses together, Finmeccanica becomes a leading global player in the helicopter sector.
IRI places almost all its Finmeccanica shares on the market. This reduces public presence in the company's capital to about 32%.
The privatisation of Finmeccanica
The start of the new millennium sees Finmeccanica remain involved in major alliances while pursuing further acquisitions. The goal is to strengthen the company’s presence in its core business sectors: Aerospace, Defence and Security. These strategic decisions change the make-up of the Group. While it keeps solid foundations in Italy, the Group becomes increasingly international both via direct industrial presence and by participating in major development projects.
The AB139 takes flight
MBDA is a joint venture that brings together Finmeccanica, BAE Systems and EADS (today Airbus) for missile systems. Finmeccanica's activities gradually re-group to be managed by operating companies, leaving the holding company responsible for guidance and monitoring.
Avionics and UAV activities merge into Galileo Avionica. The production of trains and locomotives is led by AnsaldoBreda and defence systems becomes the responsibility of OTO Melara.
The first AB139 helicopter takes flight. This is the start of a journey which sees the helicopter become one of Agusta's biggest success stories.
Galileo Avionica - Optical testing
Alenia Aeronautica and Orizzonte are founded
Finmeccanica's core business is bolstered by a significant campaign of acquisitions, targeting companies with a long industrial tradition. Marconi Mobile and OTE are active in secure communications and defence, Telespazio in satellite services and Aermacchi in the production of trainer aircraft.
Immediately after these acquisitions, aeronautical activities are merged into the new Alenia Aeronautica company. Finmeccanica and Fincantieri launch the Orizzonte Sistemi Navali joint venture. The business will become a system integrator for military vessels
Telespazio - Satellite operations - Fucino Space Centre (L'Aquila)
The BA609 tiltrotor and the Falco UAV take flight
Work to support the Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Falco UAV meet the highest technological standards for composite aerostructures and unmanned systems. Meanwhile, the BA609 is pushing the frontiers of flight. The innovative tiltrotor platform can fly like an aeroplane and land like a helicopter.
The company collaborates on other major programmes during this time, including the US-led F-35 fighter, the Galileo satellite system and the FREMM, European Multi-Purpose Frigate. These projects strengthen a business pipeline that already sees projects under way for the International Space Station and the A380.
AgustaWestland - BA609 – Tiltrotor
The COSMO-SkyMed programme begins
The M-346 takes flight
Finmeccanica completes the acquisition of Westland – the remaining 50% of the JV with the British GKN Group. In doing so, Finmeccanica beomes the sole owner of AgustaWestland, a global player in the helicopter sector.
COSMO-SkyMed is the first dual-use satellite radar system used to observe Earth. It is a thoroughly Italian enterprise, with Alenia Spazio as the prime contractor.
The M-346 makes its mark as the most advanced trainer on the market, built to train the latest generation of fighter pilots.
Telespazio - Thales Alenia Space - COSMO-SkyMed Constellation
Ansaldo STS is founded
Finmeccanica acquires BAE Systems’ assets in avionics, communications and ATC. It also takes back control of the Italian activity from what was formerly AMS. In doing so the United Kingdom becomes the company’s second largest domestic market.
SELEX Galileo (avionics, electro-optics), SELEX Sistemi Integrati (command and control systems, ATM), and SELEX Communications (military and secure communications) are founded.
Ansaldo STS is formed to re-group the rail signalling activity and systems. 60% of the company is listed on the Stock Exchange.
SELEX Galileo UK - Captor E - Electronic scanning radar for Eurofighter
Elsag Datamat is founded
Finmeccanica and Thales join forces to create the joint ventures Telespazio (67% Finmeccanica, 33% Thales) for satellite services and Thales Alenia Space (67% Thales, 33% Finmeccanica) for space manufacturing. Finmeccanica ranks first in Europe for the space industry, with a presence across the entire value chain.
The acquisition of the Italian company Datamat brings new defence electronic competences to Finmeccanica. This leads to the creation of the new Elsag Datamat.
Elsag Datamat - Command and control systems for Ministry of Defence
The KRONOS radar is unveiled
The acquisition of DRS Technologies, a US company operating in defence electronics, gives Finmeccanica access to the American defence market. This is a market with enormous potential but has proven very difficult for overseas competitors to gain a foothold. The United States becomes Finmeccanica’s third largest domestic market.
SELEX SI launches KRONOS, a family of cutting-edge multi-functional radars based on innovative electronically scanned AESA technology (Active Electronically Scanned Array).
DRS Technologies - Defence Electronics
The acquisition of PZL-Świdnik, the Polish manufacturer of helicopters and aerostructures, expands the position of Finmeccanica in the European helicopter sector and opens new opportunities to break into different geographic markets.
The company brings its light SW-4 helicopter that is later transformed into an unmanned version (SW-4 SOLO). Poland becomes Finmeccanica’s fourth domestic market.
PZL-Świdnik - SW-4
The 2009 financial crisis causes a recession in aerospace and defence markets, which leads to budget cuts and the need for increased competitiveness. Finmeccanica launches new initiatives to cope with the changing scenario. These include partnerships in emerging high-potential markets, rationalising the product, restructuring business segments, and divestment of non-core sectors. The change process culminates with the ‘One Company’ of today and a new name: Leonardo.
The cybersecurity agreement is signed with NATO
The first Italian FREMM is launched
SELEX Elsag is formed by the merger of Elsag Datamat and SELEX Communications. The new company is a centre of excellence for ICT, telecommunications, security and automation.
In collaboration with Northrop Grumman, Finmeccanica launches the cybersecurity programme. Its goal is to protect nearly 50 NATO bases and offices in 28 countries.
The Carlo Bergamini is the first Italian FREMM (European Multi-Purpose Frigate) made by Orizzonte Sistemi Navali. The vessel is launched on 16 July 2011 at the naval shipyard in Riva Trigoso (Genoa).
Orizzonte Sistemi Navali - FREMM - European Multi Mission Frigates
Alenia Aermacchi becomes the cornerstone for all aeronautical activities in the sector, including aerostructures, finished aircraft, trainers and the growing unmanned aircraft area.
The aim is to consolidate the company's production lines and to prepare it to successfully deal with the challenges of international competition.
Alenia Aermacchi - Eurofighter Typhoon
Divestment of the energy sector
The founding of Selex ES combines the Italian and British entities into a single company responsible for the Group's Defence and Security Electronics. This move creates a global leader with domestic markets in both Italy and the UK, as well as a strong international presence.
The divestment of Ansaldo Energia is also completed. This follows a decision to focus exclusively on the company's core business. After the sale of the first stake to the US First Reserve Corporation Fund (in 2011), Finmeccanica sells the remaining shares to Fondo Strategico Italiano.
Selex ES - KRONOS Radar
Inauguration of SOC of Chieti
Rosetta mission lands on a comet
In line with the strategic decision to focus on its core business, Finmeccanica starts the operations to sell AnsaldoBreda and Ansaldo STS to the Hitachi Group, and BredaMenarinibus to the Industria Italiana Autobus (closing of operations in 2015).
The Security Operation Centre of Chieti, Selex ES's centre of excellence, is recognised as one of the world's most powerful centres of cybersecurity.
The Rosetta space mission, the first to land on a comet, features on board sophisticated Finmeccanica instruments, including star attitude trackers and the space drill.
Selex ES - Security Operation Centre – Chieti
Frecciarossa 1000 is operational
Agreement signed for the European MALE UAV
Finmeccanica supplies the innovative Safe City & Main Operation Centre platform at the Universal Exposition which takes place in Milan. This platform handles all aspects of surveillance and protection both for the site and visitors.
That same year, the Frecciarossa 1000 completes its inaugural journey from Rome to Milan. This high-speed train is produced by the AnsaldoBreda/Bombardier consortium.
Meanwhile, France, Germany and Italy sign an agreement to develop the European MALE UAV. Finmeccanica participates in the project alongside Airbus and Dassault.
EuroMALE-2025
The Centauro II prototype is introduced
In the new integrated structure, the One Company takes over the subsidiaries AgustaWestland, Alenia Aermacchi, Selex ES, OTO Melara and WASS. They are transformed into Corporate Divisions, while the One Company remains the parent entity for subsidiaries DRS Technologies, MBDA, Telespazio, Thales Alenia Space and ATR.
The Centauro II produced by the Iveco/OTO Melara consortium is introduced. It is a new-generation armoured vehicle, evolving from Centauro, the world's first 8x8 rotated anti-tank platform produced in the 1980s.
OTO-IVECO Consortium - Centauro II
The M-345 takes flight
The newly-named Leonardo maintains its deeply-rooted heritage while drawing up fresh plans to meet the challenges of a global marketplace that is changing constantly. The name Leonardo is chosen in homage to Leonardo da Vinci, a universal symbol of creativity and innovation. Leonardo is entrusted with taking the company’s legacy of technological excellence and passion into the future.
The innovative M-345 trainer makes its debut, boasting multi-role capabilities.
Alenia Aermacchi - M-345
Electronics is reorganised
Leonardo’s Industrial Plan is built on several solid pillars: strict financial discipline, a strong focus on customers, product portfolio rationalisation and internationalisation.
The Electronics department is reorganised to make it more effective and competitive. The Electronics Division combines avionics, space systems, land and naval defence electronics, ATC and automation systems and defence systems. Cybersecurity activities merge into the Cyber Security Division.
Leonardo Headquarters - Rome