Il aerospace sector continues to collect orders, supported byESA (European Space Agency)) and from the operational arm of the Safe (Security Action for Europe) of the European Union. The latest contracts have arrived for Leonardo, Avio e Iveco.
As decided within the framework of the Ministerial Council 2025 of the ESA Member States, the European space budget increased by 30% compared to the previous three-year period, reaching 22,1 billion euros, the highest level in the history of the space agency. Safe program, Backed by the EU budget, it arranges joint loans to boost the bloc's defense capabilities, fill any gaps, and purchase defense products to prepare for any threat of military aggression from Russia or Belarus.
Leonardo: Contracts for the "Spartans" and trainers
Leonardo, the Italian defense big, and the National Armaments Directorate have signed a multi-year contract, relating to Logistical Support for the fleet of C-27J “Spartan” tactical transport aircraft of the Air Force and for the simulator of the Full Motion type (Full mission simulator) of the International training center (Itc) of the air base of Pisa, headquarters of the 46th Air Brigade.
The contract, explains a note from the company, will be developed by 2026 to 2028 according to a “Performance Based” model, allowing to maintain high levels of efficiency for the fleet of 12 aircraft of the Armed Forces operating from the bases of Pisa and Pratica di Mare (Rome). For the same period of time, Leonardo will provide management services technical and administrative operations at the International Training Center of the Italian Air Force in Pisa and, above all, technical and maintenance support services for the simulator at the ITC in Pisa. Furthermore, the Nigeria is ready to buy six trainers Leonardo's M346, reports the messenger and the banks are preparing a 450 million euro loan guaranteed by Sace.
What is the C-27J “Spartan”
Il C-27J “Spartan” Leonardo's is thetactical transport aircraft, multi-mission, most effective and versatile of its class available on the market today. Equipped with two powerful turboprop engines, it offers extreme operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness, with the ability to operate from unpaved runways and in extreme environmental conditions. Typical tasks of the C-27J, in addition to transport and airdrop operations to provide support to troops near the front line ("last tactical mile"), also include disaster relief and forest firefighting missions.
Avio: New contracts worth over €600 million expected in 2026-2027
On the basis of the signatures of the ESA Member States, Avio has communicated that it foresees the assignment of new contracts for over 600 million of euros in the period 2026 am - 2027 pm with execution expected within 2028-2029, relating to both the development and operational exploitation of the pitchers, substantially in line with the company's plans and guidelines. Specifically, the subscriptions concern improvements to the Vega C, Vega E, Space Rider, P160, and High Thrust Engine (MR60), a statement explains.
Iveco sees an acceleration in orders thanks to the Safe program
Also for Iveco Defence Vehicles (Idv), the defense sector of the Italian truck manufacturer Iveco provides aacceleration of its orders in the short term, driven by the European Union's Safe programme.
“The imminent launch of the Safe program could generate a non-linearity in our order intake and require us to accelerate significantly our production,” he said Claudio Catalano, CEO of Iveco Defence Vehicles (Idv), during a defence conference hosted yesterday by the Sun 24 Hours.
Catalano said that the Idv, which will be sold at the beginning of next year from Iveco to Leonardo worth 1,7 billion euros, views this growth with both enthusiasm and apprehension "because we know we must be ready to respond to the needs of our European allies", boosting the group's production capacity. He added that the group is investing heavily in its production sites, in the cities of Bolzano and Piacenza, and has established a division in Turin dedicated to defense propulsion engines. Asked about synergies with Leonardo, Catalano emphasized that the agreement would allow for "a more complete and improved offering for customers."
