The acquisition of the brands Iveco Defense Vehicles (IDV) and Astra brands strengthens Leonardo’s position in the land sector and marks an important step in the company’s expansion as a global security provider.
The acquisition of the defense business of the Iveco Group (IDV and Astra) is an “important milestone on the growth path in the European land defense sector” – a market with “high growth potential”, according to Leonardo.
In future, Leonardo will not only be able to supply integrated technologies, but also offer complete platforms in which vehicle components and electronic systems are brought together in one solution within digital architectures.
From electronics to integrated platforms
Leonardo is a traditional supplier of electronic defense systems such as sensors and command and control systems. Combining this with IDV’s expertise in the design and production of military vehicles creates an integrated industrial capability to offer “turnkey” solutions – from the vehicle to the electronic systems based on advanced software, real-time data processing and modular digital architectures.
Leonardo übernimmt Iveco Defence – Rheinmetall-Einstieg verzögert sich
This strengthens Leonardo’s role as an industrial group with a portfolio of armored and unarmored, tracked and wheeled platforms. The technological backbone is the linking of sensors and guidance systems in a single multi-domain ecosystem.
One example is the Hitfact (Highly Integrated Technology Firing Against Combat Tank) MkII turret on the Centauro II vehicle. Thanks to full digitalization, it communicates with drones, sensors and other units in the field, improves situational awareness and thus becomes part of a networked system.
Industrial synergies and technological development
The acquisition of Iveco Defence Vehicles (IDV) combines complementary capabilities: Iveco Defence with mobility, bodywork and vehicle integration and Leonardo with electronics, defense systems and digital technologies.
The focus is on the continuation of the Iveco-OTO Melara consortium (CIO), which is held 50 percent each by IDV and OTO Melara (now Leonardo). The partnership, which has lasted for more than 40 years, has seen programmes such as Centauro II, Freccia VBM and the modernization of the Ariete tank (-> First modernized Ariete-C2 for Italy).
Integrated ecosystem for global security
The bundling of land forces activities is part of a strategy to integrate capabilities and platforms into a multi-domain offering. The concept is being implemented in Michelangelo Dome (-> First successful test for Michelangelo Security Dome) – an integrated defense system that connects air, land, sea, space and cyber domains via AI, high-performance computing and data fusion.
In continuation of other initiatives, such as the joint venture with Rheinmetall for the development of land defense systemsthis should contribute to the development of a competitive, integrated European industrial ecosystem.
Here for more news about Iveco Defense Vehicles and here to further news about Leonardo.
