Italian aerospace and defence giant Leonardo is preparing a significant expansion of its operations in the UAE, saying the country and the wider region are well placed to become a global centre for defence research and development. The company will convert its long-standing representative office into an industrial entity next year to pursue deeper partnerships and set up production capabilities inside the Emirates.
Carlo Gualdaroni, Co-General Manager Business at Leonardo, said the shift marks a new phase of engagement with the UAE’s growing defence ecosystem. “Our long-term ambition is to produce in the Emirates and export to markets where the UAE has strong influence,” he told BTR in an interview. He added that the company intends to incorporate stronger on-ground engineering and manufacturing functions as it accelerates local investment.
At the recent Dubai Airshow, Leonardo and UAE defence conglomerate EDGE Group announced plans to establish a joint venture in 2025 to design and produce advanced defence systems. The partnership will focus on sensors, platforms and integration solutions tailored for the UAE and selected export markets. The venture will also support testing, industrialisation, training and the development of a highly skilled Emirati workforce.
Gualdaroni said partnerships remain at the core of Leonardo’s strategy in the Emirates. The region has identified defence and security as key national priorities, and local institutions increasingly seek international companies capable of combining technical expertise with long-term commitments. Leonardo already maintains an active presence in helicopters, naval systems and electronics across the UAE, and now aims to broaden its service capabilities and support long-term industrial growth.
The company, which employs around 60,000 people worldwide, is one of the major global players in aerospace, cyber, security, and space technologies, with established production capabilities in Italy, the UK, Poland and the United States.
Leonardo’s next steps in the UAE will include the recruitment of young engineers who will receive training in Italy before joining the company’s expanded local operations. “We want them to help design, develop and produce our products here,” Gualdaroni said.
He highlighted strong potential for collaboration in cyber, space technologies and artificial intelligence as the UAE intensifies its focus on advanced capabilities. He noted that joint development and localisation can support national sovereignty while opening export opportunities for both sides.
The company also plans to strengthen cooperation with universities, research centres and internship programmes to help nurture specialised STEM talent and support the broader tech ecosystem across the Middle East.
Gualdaroni described the Dubai Airshow as an essential platform for understanding shifting priorities in the region. “It provides an opportunity to reconnect, understand how priorities are changing and reassess our strategies. It is one of the clearest windows into this crucial market,” he said.
