# Leonardo defense industry expansion and European strategy

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/leonardo-defense-industry-expansion-and-european-strategy
> Updated: 2026-09-05T10:30:50.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Italian defense and aerospace company Leonardo has expanded its operations into Ukraine by establishing Leonardo Ukraine LLC in Kyiv. This new entity focuses on research and development in areas such as unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, electronic warfare, sensors, and low-cost air defense, aiming to integrate with Ukraine’s technological and industrial ecosystem.

In a broader strategic context, Leonardo CEO Lorenzo Mariani has advocated for a more unified European defense approach. He emphasized the need to move away from fragmented national programs toward shared platforms and common programs to achieve economies of scale. Mariani argued that transforming national interests into a cohesive European industrial security policy is essential for addressing structural fragmentation and ensuring economic stability.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Leonardo CEO calls for unified European defense investment

Leonardo CEO Lorenzo Mariani advocates for reduced fragmentation in European defense through shared platforms and common programs to bolster both security and economic stability.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leonardo-ceo-calls-for-unified-european-defense-investment

### 2026-08-31: Leonardo establishes industrial presence in Ukraine

Italian defense giant Leonardo has launched Leonardo Ukraine LLC in Kyiv to focus on R&D for drones, AI, and air defense systems, integrating with Ukraine's growing defense technology ecosystem.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leonardo-establishes-industrial-presence-in-ukraine

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Cite as: Leonardo defense industry expansion and European strategy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/leonardo-defense-industry-expansion-and-european-strategy