Leonardo Soars Beyond Expectations, CEO Confident in Surpassing 2025 Financial Targets

Strong growth across defense, space, and electronics divisions positions Leonardo for another record-breaking year as Europe’s security and innovation leader.

Italy’s aerospace and defense giant Leonardo has expressed confidence that it will exceed its 2025 financial targets, following an exceptional performance during the first nine months of the year.

Chief Executive Roberto Cingolani announced that the group’s strong results in orders, revenues, and profits have created the momentum needed to surpass expectations and close the year on a high note.

During an investor call, Cingolani stated that he was “confident with the numbers” and optimistic that the company would go beyond its initial projections.

Although Leonardo did not officially revise its financial guidance, the leadership made it clear that the trajectory of growth, supported by robust contracts and technological advancements, points to a stronger-than-expected year-end performance.

Leonardo has reported double-digit growth in orders, revenues, and core profits for the first three quarters of 2025. The company’s success was driven by major contributions from its aerospace, electronics, and space divisions, along with a significant support and training contract for the Kuwaiti Air Force’s Eurofighter program.

This contract, part of Leonardo’s expanding global defense footprint, has been instrumental in boosting the group’s revenues and reaffirming its reputation as a trusted international defense partner.

Chief Financial Officer Alessandra Genco added that although order intake is not consistent throughout the year, Leonardo remains on track to meet the guidance range it established mid-year.

In July, the company had improved its full-year outlook, setting ambitious targets for orders between 22.25 billion and 22.75 billion euros, alongside strong free cash flow and lower net debt.

With demand for advanced defense systems, helicopters, and electronics solutions on the rise, the company now stands poised to surpass those estimates.

One of Leonardo’s strongest-performing divisions continues to be its electronics sector, which has seen increased demand for cutting-edge radar, communication, and surveillance systems.

These technologies play a vital role in enhancing the defense capabilities of European and international allies, particularly in light of evolving global security challenges.

Meanwhile, Leonardo’s helicopter division continues to record strong sales and operational performance, supported by modernization projects and growing export demand.

In the space industry, Leonardo’s growth has been equally impressive. The company’s joint venture with France’s Thales, known as Telespazio, and its expanding manufacturing activities have positioned it as a key player in Europe’s rapidly advancing space sector.

With a strategic focus on innovation and sustainable technology, Leonardo is aligning itself with the future of defense and aerospace — where digitalization, AI integration, and space-based solutions are redefining modern security systems.

On the topic of divestments, Leonardo recently reduced its stake in the rocket manufacturer Avio from just under 29 percent to just over 19 percent.

CEO Roberto Cingolani explained that this decision was part of a rational strategic move to avoid duplication within its missile-related businesses.

Leonardo already plays a significant role in MBDA, a European missile manufacturing consortium that includes Airbus and BAE Systems.

According to Cingolani, maintaining involvement in both MBDA and Avio would have led to overlapping functions, and the company believes it is wiser to focus its resources where they bring the most synergy and innovation.

Despite reducing its share in Avio, Leonardo intends to retain a stake and remain an important partner in Europe’s defense ecosystem.

The company’s leadership emphasized that other investors are likely to contribute to Avio’s expansion, particularly as the rocket maker undertakes a 400-million-euro capital increase to fund new U.S. production facilities for solid rocket motors.

Leonardo’s upward trajectory also reflects the broader increase in European defense spending following the geopolitical shifts of recent years.

The company has been quick to respond to these changes by strengthening partnerships across Europe and beyond.

Collaborations with Germany’s Rheinmetall and Turkey’s Baykar have enhanced Leonardo’s capabilities in drone technology and next-generation defense solutions, ensuring it remains at the forefront of technological innovation in the global defense market.

As 2025 enters its final quarter, Leonardo’s growth story continues to embody resilience, innovation, and strategic foresight.

The company’s ability to expand across multiple high-tech domains—while maintaining fiscal discipline and investing in next-generation solutions—has solidified its status as a cornerstone of European industrial strength.

Under Cingolani’s leadership, Leonardo is not only exceeding its own targets but also setting new standards for responsible growth in defense, aerospace, and space technology.

The group’s success serves as a reflection of Europe’s renewed focus on security and innovation, proving that sustainable progress and economic resilience can go hand in hand.