Italy’s Leonardo opens Kyiv subsidiary

Italian defense firm Leonardo has established a subsidiary in Kyiv called Leonardo Ukraine, according to Euractiv on August 20. This new entity, registered on May 20, specializes in research and engineering for military technologies. Leonardo Ukraine was founded with a statutory capital of UAH5.13 million ($117,000) and is wholly owned by Leonardo.

A Leonardo communications representative confirmed to Euractiv that all necessary legal procedures have been completed, enabling the company to commence operations. The subsidiary will focus on scientific and engineering research and development in communications, navigation systems, software, IT services, electronic and optical technologies.

This move places Leonardo in closer proximity to Ukraine's rapidly growing defense-industrial sector, which has seen increased production of drones and missiles since the war's onset. During her latest visit to Kyiv, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled plans to bolster drone production in Ukraine, suggesting that the country could receive up to EUR10 billion in additional funding from EU's SAFE fund.

In 2022, Leonardo's former CEO, Roberto Cingolani, had hinted at testing the Michelangelo Dome, an integrated multidomain air-defense system, in Ukraine. However, just a month later, the Italian government opted not to reappoint Cingolani as Leonardo's CEO, a decision reportedly linked to disputes over the Michelangelo Dome project.

Leonardo is renowned for manufacturing military aircraft and helicopters, radars and air-defense systems, military electronics, unmanned systems, artillery, and naval weapons. The company also collaborates on missile production through the MBDA consortium and has divisions dedicated to space and cybersecurity.