Leonardo Pushes for Unified European Defense Industry

The Italian defense giant calls for stronger collaboration and a centralized EU defense budget to enhance efficiency and competitiveness.

Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo, advocates for the creation of 'European giants' in defense to rival larger U.S. companies.
Leonardo is one of the world's largest defense firms, generating over €15 billion in revenue and employing nearly 60,000 people.
Cingolani emphasizes the need for better coordination of national defense strategies and systems across EU member states.
He supports transitioning from fragmented national defense budgets to a unified European defense fund to optimize investments.
Recent collaborations include partnerships with Rheinmetall and Hensoldt, as well as involvement in projects like the F-35 and Eurofighter jets.