Leonardo Aims for Significant Revenue Growth by 2030

Italian aerospace and defense company Leonardo has announced an ambitious plan to boost orders, revenue, and profitability by the end of the decade. The updated industrial strategy, which spans from 2026 to 2030, projects annual orders to reach EUR 32 billion by 2030, a significant increase from EUR 23.8 billion expected in 2025. Revenue forecasts indicate a rise to EUR 30 billion from EUR 19.5 billion during the same period.

The company anticipates an increase in earnings before interest, tax, and amortization (EBITA) to EUR 3.59 billion by 2030, up from EUR 1.75 billion in 2025. Additionally, free operating cash flow is expected to reach EUR 2.06 billion. Over the five-year plan, Leonardo predicts cumulative orders of approximately EUR 142 billion and cumulative revenues of EUR 126 billion, with compound annual growth rates of about 6.1 percent and 9 percent, respectively.

Strategic Developments and New Initiatives

This strategic shift follows the completion of Leonardo’s transition into a multinational “One Company” structure, which integrates its operations across land, sea, air, space, and cyber domains. Roberto Cingolani, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Leonardo, stated, “We have successfully met all the targets set out in our first Industrial Plan, exceeding all expectations. We now have platforms across every domain and have invested heavily in digital technologies, AI, and cybersecurity.”

A cornerstone of the new strategy is the development of the “Michelangelo Dome,” a multi-domain architecture designed to unify capabilities across various environments. This system aims to leverage artificial intelligence, high-performance computing, and data fusion technologies to create a comprehensive framework for detecting and countering emerging threats, such as ballistic missiles and drone swarms. Leonardo estimates that this initiative could generate potential business opportunities worth around EUR 21 billion over the next decade.

Cingolani emphasized that the new Industrial Plan outlines the company’s trajectory through 2030, aiming to strengthen its role as a high-tech player in global security. He remarked, “Today, Leonardo presents itself to the market as a unique industrial player, reinforced by the launch of the Michelangelo Dome, which contributes to the development of sovereign and interoperable capabilities.”

Workforce Expansion and Financial Strategy

In addition to boosting revenue, Leonardo is planning a major expansion of its workforce. The company aims to increase its employee count to approximately 75,500 by 2030, up from around 62,700 by 2025. This growth will involve recruiting about 28,000 new employees over the next five years, with a focus on younger workers and those in STEM-related disciplines.

Leonardo’s strategy also includes a “disciplined capital allocation” policy that aims to support both organic growth and potential acquisitions, while enhancing shareholder returns. The company anticipates a 21 percent increase in its dividend in 2026, with plans to continue raising payouts throughout the duration of the plan.

This comprehensive approach is designed to address a rapidly evolving security landscape marked by the rise of drones, cyber threats, and hypersonic weapons, paired with increasing global investment in security technologies. As Leonardo embarks on this significant growth journey, its focus on innovation and market positioning may well define its success in the years to come.