Leonardo SpA
Italy's largest defence contractor and the world's 11th largest weapons manufacturer, supplying naval guns, training aircraft, and helicopters to Israel. Leonardo DRS subsidiary merged with Israeli military radar manufacturer RADA in 2022.
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Material Risk Framing
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OTO Melara 76mm naval guns installed on Sa'ar 6 corvettes documented in use during Gaza operations. ICJ and ICC proceedings create legal exposure for weapons suppliers. Italian export licence vulnerability.
Italian government's 30% ownership stake creates political leverage. Institutional investor pressure growing in European markets. Defence sector ESG exclusions increasingly common.
Naval guns on warships documented firing on Gaza. RADA merger integrates Leonardo with Israeli military surveillance technology. European campaign potential significant.
Leonardo DRS-RADA merger creates direct corporate ties to Israeli military radar systems. Dual-listing on NASDAQ and Tel Aviv Stock Exchange creates multiple regulatory exposures.
Strategic Analysis
In-depth assessment of the company's position, vulnerabilities, and recommended approaches for effective engagement.
High severity, lower vulnerability — requires long-term divestment pressure
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Why do these scores change?
Unlike static boycott lists, our targeting model is dynamic. This company's position on the matrix is re-evaluated continually as we verify new contracts, divestments, or policy changes. Your reporting directly impacts this score.
Strategic Analysis
Leonardo SpA represents Italy's largest defence contractor with documented weapons supply to the Israeli military. The company's OTO Melara naval guns are installed on Sa'ar 6 corvettes that have been used in operations against Gaza, while the 2022 Leonardo DRS-RADA merger creates direct corporate integration with Israeli military technology. The Italian government's 30% ownership stake creates a significant political pressure point through parliamentary engagement and public advocacy.
Key Leverage Points
- Italian Government Ownership: The Italian state holds 30% of Leonardo, creating direct political accountability for weapons supply to Israel. Parliamentary questions, ministerial engagement, and public campaigns can influence government position as majority shareholder.
- DRS-RADA Corporate Integration: The 2022 merger with Israeli radar manufacturer RADA creates ongoing corporate ties that can be challenged through shareholder advocacy and investor pressure to divest the relationship.
- European Export Licence Vulnerability: Italian and EU export control frameworks create regulatory pressure points. Documentation of Sa'ar 6 corvette use in Gaza operations strengthens case for licence suspension.
- FTSE MIB Inclusion: Leonardo's position in Italy's primary stock index creates passive investment exposure that can be targeted through ESG exclusion campaigns.
Evidence Summary
Leonardo's weapons supply to Israel is comprehensively documented. The company delivered OTO Melara 76/62 Super Rapid naval guns worth $100 million for installation on Israel's Sa'ar 6 corvettes, which Israeli media reported were used operationally for the first time on October 16, 2023, during attacks on Gaza. The $1 billion M-346 training aircraft deal provides advanced jet trainers to the Israeli Air Force. Most significantly, the 2022 merger of Leonardo DRS with Israeli military radar manufacturer RADA Electronic Industries created a jointly-traded entity on both NASDAQ and the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, representing deep corporate integration with Israel's defence technology sector.
Engagement Strategy
Prioritise engagement with Italian parliamentarians and government ministers responsible for the state's 30% ownership stake. Support Italian civil society campaigns for arms export licence suspension. Target institutional investors in FTSE MIB index funds with ESG exclusion demands. Engage Leonardo DRS shareholders on RADA relationship through US securities filings and shareholder advocacy. Coordinate with European peace organisations on comprehensive arms embargo campaigns. Use AGM engagement at Rome headquarters to challenge directors on IHL compliance. Document Sa'ar 6 operational use for legal submissions to Italian export control authorities.
Evidence & Sources
Verified sources including NGO reports, regulatory filings, and primary documents. Use these to substantiate your correspondence.
International Court of Justice finds 'plausible' genocide case against Israel, creating legal exposure for weapons suppliers.
Open sourceComprehensive documentation of Leonardo's weapons supply to Israel including naval guns, training aircraft, and the DRS-RADA merger.
Open sourceIsraeli Navy's Sa'ar 6 corvette, equipped with Leonardo OTO Melara guns, reported used operationally for first time during attacks on Gaza beginning October 16, 2023.
Open sourceLeonardo DRS merges with Israeli military radar manufacturer RADA Electronic Industries, creating jointly-traded entity on NASDAQ and Tel Aviv Stock Exchange.
Open sourceReports confirm delivery of final four OTO Melara 76/62 Super Rapid naval guns to Israel worth $100 million, completing Sa'ar 6 corvette armament programme.
Open sourceUpdates & Milestones
- ICJ Provisional Measures
International Court of Justice finds Israel faces 'plausible' genocide case, raising legal questions about weapons suppliers.
- Sa'ar 6 Corvette Operational Use
Israeli Navy's Sa'ar 6 corvette, equipped with Leonardo OTO Melara guns, used operationally for first time during attacks on Gaza.
- DRS-RADA Merger
Leonardo DRS subsidiary merges with Israeli military radar manufacturer RADA Electronic Industries, creating jointly-traded entity on NASDAQ and TASE.
- Naval Gun Deliveries Complete
Final four OTO Melara 76/62 Super Rapid naval guns delivered to Israel, completing $100 million order for Sa'ar 6 corvette armament.
- Helicopter Deliveries
Leonardo delivers 7 AW119Kx helicopters to Israel from Philadelphia manufacturing facility.
- Finmeccanica Rebrands as Leonardo
Italian defence conglomerate Finmeccanica completes rebrand to Leonardo SpA.
- M-346 Training Aircraft Deal
Leonardo (then Alenia Aermacchi) signs $1 billion deal with Israel for 30 M-346 advanced training aircraft.