It continues to be of interest to the defense sector which showed good gains on Friday in several European stocks. The momentum, which still benefits from the long-term impact on the entire sector of SpaceX's debut on Wall Street, is enriched today by new insights from news about Rheinmetall, Avio e Leonardo.
Rheinmetall targets promising Japanese market after historic turnaround under Prime Minister Takaichi
Rheinmetall It moved up to 1.211 euros in Frankfurt and at mid-morning it maintained an increase of around 2% after the Japanese daily Nikkei reported that the German giant plans to open its first defense-related production plant in Japan.
The operation could be carried out through a a joint venture with a Japanese company, with the intention of targeting both the local market and exports, it reported on Friday, citing the CEO of the German defense company.
“I would love to do much more in Japan,” said Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall, in an interview with Nikkei, adding that he will likely visit the country soon for talks with industry and government leaders. The announcement comes on the heels of the historic decision of the government led by Sanae Takaichi and last April Approved the revision of the rules on military exports, marking a clear departure from the pacifist stance that had accompanied Tokyo since the Second World War and effectively opening the door to the Japanese market. Rheinmetall already produces automotive components in Japan, such as electric water pumps, through a wholly owned subsidiary, but does not own any defense-related plants.
Avio signs a new order worth over €35 billion with MBDA France
The Italian company Avio is also showing a good performance on the stock market this morning: in the morning it was quoted at 34,90 euros with an increase of over 2%, after having reached a maximum of 35,90. Avio has announced the signing of a new order production with MBDA France, for over 35 billion, Avio has signed an agreement under an existing framework contract for the supply of solid-propellant motors and related aerodynamic surfaces for the Aster 30 defense system. Production development is expected to last four years, with an average annual turnover of approximately €9 million. "The signing of this new order confirms the positive momentum for Avio's defense propulsion sector and further strengthens the company's collaboration with the MBDA group, supporting European defense in response to the growing demand for the SAMP/T missile defense system," the company stated yesterday in a statement.
Analysts at Banca Akros point out that the announced order must be contextualized with the defense division's order backlog of €650 million at the end of the first quarter of 2026: the contract represents approximately 5% of the total. "However, considering the timing, we would not be surprised if the order is related to the Samp/T contract between Denmark and France, which was not included in the forecasts and which, as such, could represent an initial batch, with more orders coming soon", the experts added, confirming the "Buy" recommendation on the stock and a target price of 40 euros. According to Banca Akros, furthermore, the export potential of the Sampdoria system remains significant, with a high probability that it will follow further similar ordersIntermonte also maintains a positive view on the stock, with an "Outperform" rating and a target price of 42 euros.
Leonardo launches the new structure after Mariani's arrival
Leonardo is also up this morning, by more than 2%, after the launch of the new organizational structure of the group after the arrival of the new CEO Lorenzo Mariani.
Full responsibility for the Corporate Bodies Affairs Organizational Unit will go to the President Francesco Macri while, in tandem with the CEO and General Manager, Lorenzo Mariani, He will manage activities related to "Group Security," "Institutional Affairs," and "Sustainability," the giant explains in a statement. The Chairman will also oversee the activities of the Internal Audit Organizational Unit within the Board of Directors, without prejudice to the prerogatives of the other individuals involved in the internal control and risk management system. In exercising his delegated powers, he will also draw on the support of the Organizational Units: People & Organization, Communication, Compliance, and Legal Affairs, which report to the CEO.
A Mariani, who also assumes interim responsibility for Institutional Affairs, will report to the Co-Director General, Gian Piero Cutillo, the Organizational Units People & Organization, Strategy, Technology and Innovation, Commercial and Business Development, Legal Affairs, Communications, as well as all the Business Divisions (Helicopters, Aeronautics, Electronics, Space, Cyber Security, Automation), in addition to the coordination of the associated and controlled operating companies.
To the Joint Director General, Gian Piero Cutillo, who have been entrusted with the interim management of the Procurement & Operations Governance Organizational Unit, will report to the Finance & Investor Relations, Risk Management, Compliance, M&A and Post Merger Integration, Digital Solution & Infrastructure Organizational Units, as well as the service companies Leonardo Global Solutions and Leonardo International.
“We will have to further consolidate Leonardo's leadership, strengthening its industrial, technological and international growth and continuing to create value for the country, for the shareholders and for all the people who work in the Group – said CEO Lorenzo Mariani – It will also be fundamental acceleration the construction and delivery of systems already in production or close to entering service, increasing the efficiency and production capacity of Leonardo and the entire supply chain.”
