Leonardo establishes new defense R&D subsidiary in Kyiv

Italian defense giant Leonardo has established a new subsidiary, Leonardo Ukraine LLC, based in Kyiv. The company, which is 100% owned by the group through Leonardo International, was registered in the Ukrainian business register on May 20, 2026.

Rather than serving as a commercial office, the new entity will focus primarily on scientific and engineering research and development. Key areas of activity include communication and navigation systems, software, IT services, and electronic and optical technologies. The move aims to integrate Leonardo into the Ukrainian defense technology ecosystem, which includes the state-supported Brave1 hub.

A major strategic focus for the group is the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sector. This follows interest expressed by CEO Lorenzo Mariani regarding collaboration with Ukraine’s advanced drone industry. The expansion also aligns with Leonardo’s joint venture, LBA Systems, formed with the Turkish company Baykar to combine electronic systems and payload expertise with Baykar’s drone design and production capabilities. Additionally, the new structure may facilitate testing for the Michelangelo Dome, an integrated multi-domain air defense system.