Italian aerospace and defence company Leonardo has announced ambitious plans to increase its orders, revenue, and profitability by the end of the decade. This initiative is part of an updated industrial strategy for the period from 2026 to 2030. The company aims to achieve annual orders of EUR 32 billion by 2030, a significant rise from EUR 23.8 billion projected for 2025. Additionally, revenues are expected to grow to EUR 30 billion, up from EUR 19.5 billion in the same timeframe.
Leonardo forecasts its earnings before interest, tax, and amortisation (EBITA) to increase to EUR 3.59 billion by 2030, compared to EUR 1.75 billion in 2025. The company also anticipates free operating cash flow to reach EUR 2.06 billion. Over the five-year plan, cumulative orders are projected to total approximately EUR 142 billion, while cumulative revenues are expected to reach EUR 126 billion, corresponding to compound annual growth rates of about 6.1 percent for orders and 9 percent for revenues.
Strategic Developments and Innovations
The updated strategy comes after what Leonardo describes as the successful completion of its transition into a multinational “One Company” structure. This new structure integrates operations across various domains, including land, sea, air, space, and cyber activities. Roberto Cingolani, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Leonardo, emphasized the company’s achievements, stating, “We have successfully met all the targets set out in our first Industrial Plan, exceeding all expectations. We now have platforms across every domain: land, space, naval and air, and we have invested heavily in digital technologies, AI, and cybersecurity.”
A cornerstone of Leonardo’s strategy is the development of the “Michelangelo Dome.” This multi-domain architecture aims to integrate capabilities across multiple environments using artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and data fusion technologies. According to the company, the system will provide a modular framework capable of detecting and countering various emerging threats, including ballistic missiles, hypersonic weapons, and drone swarms. Leonardo estimates that this initiative could generate approximately EUR 21 billion in potential business opportunities over the next decade.
Anticipated Growth and Workforce Expansion
Leonardo expects continued growth across its primary business units during this period. Its cybersecurity division is projected to experience some of the strongest expansion, with orders and revenues forecast to grow at double-digit rates. Meanwhile, the space division anticipates significant increases in orders and profitability through new partnerships and programmes across Europe.
In response to the evolving security landscape characterized by the rise of drones, cyber threats, and hypersonic weapons, Leonardo plans to expand its workforce significantly. After increasing its headcount to approximately 62,700 employees by 2025, the company intends to grow to around 75,500 employees by 2030. Over the next five years, Leonardo aims to recruit about 28,000 people, focusing on younger workers and those in STEM-related disciplines.
In conjunction with its growth strategy, Leonardo will implement a “disciplined capital allocation” policy to support organic expansion and potential acquisitions while enhancing shareholder returns. The company projects a 21 percent increase in its dividend by 2026 and plans to continue expanding payouts throughout the life of the plan.
As Leonardo embarks on this ambitious journey, it positions itself as a leading player in global security, reinforced by the recent introduction of the Michelangelo Dome. This innovative approach not only underscores the company’s commitment to technological advancement but also demonstrates its capability to develop solutions that meet future challenges head-on.
