In such a highly complex European scenario, defence operators are called upon to adapt rapidly to changes, through a deep evolution of their systems. For Leonardo, this takes the form of two main lines. Lorenzo Mariani explains that “one is the multi-domain response. More and more, our systems must be capable of operating not only in a single domain, such as land, see, air, or even space, but in all of them together.”

In addition to the multi-domain approach, one of the pillars of the new Industrial Plan, the second guideline is digitalisation. As Mariani points out, “The company is performing a very strong effort on digitalising not only its technologies and solutions, but also its processes. This is already bringing the need for a coverage of cyber protection.”

These two drivers find practical application in the new AW249, presented at the Paris exhibition. An helicopter designed for multi-domain operations, with an open architecture, all digitalised equipment. According to Lorenzo Mariani, “This is a good example of how we should respond in the future to multi-domain operational requirements.”