Leonardo once again participates in the Dubai Airshow (17-21 November) as one of the most important partners of the Middle East nations in the aerospace, defense and security sectors, thanks to new technologies and opportunities for collaboration in the sector. Leader in unmanned systems and solutions for the metropolis of the future, which include information security, anti-drone systems and infrastructure protection, Leonardo is increasingly asserting itself as a strategic partner able to create value through successful collaborations, based on on proven experience as a global provider of innovative technology.
The focus on the development of new technologies is the basis of Leonardo's investment in the startup Skydweller Aero, specialized in the production of solar propulsion drones. The new Skydweller aircraft, which will be presented for the first time during a meeting with the press right at the Dubai Airshow, will represent an important new element in the aerial surveillance architecture of many countries., Investments in Leonardo's unmanned technologies are also demonstrated from the Falco Xplorer, Leonardo's new surveillance drone and AWHERO. The Falco Xplorer is suitable for security and defense operations, guaranteeing wide-ranging surveillance, 24 hours on 24, 7 days on 7, in any weather condition, being able to carry out a wide range of missions. With over 24 hours of autonomy, the Falco Xplorer collects information beyond the horizon and transmits it in real time via satellite to the command centers. The AWHERO is a state-of-the-art remote-controlled helicopter developed for land and naval operations and is the perfect solution in terms of cost-effectiveness for tasks such as ship patrols and borders, public safety, land and infrastructure monitoring criticisms, as well as support for research and rescue activities and for damage assessment during natural disasters.
Leonardo also exhibits the new generation AW169 helicopter and promotes the revolutionary AW609 tiltrotor. The AW169 is Leonardo's flagship light intermediate helicopter. Falcon Aviation of Abu Dhabi, launch customer of the offshore version, operates five units. Leonardo's presence in the regional helicopter market is significant, with over 230 civil and military units ordered by various Middle Eastern customers, of which about 100 in the United Arab Emirates, where Leonardo is the market leader. Together with support services and training packages, the AW109, best-selling AW139, new generation AW189 and AW169 models, have further expanded Leonardo's regional success in supporting the Oil & Gas and passenger transport industries. About 90% of the UAE's VVIP helicopter fleet is made up of Leonardo helicopters.
Presented in the dual capacity of advanced trainer (AJT) and combat aircraft (FA), the M-346 is able to meet numerous requirements of the air forces in the region.
The M-346FA, equipped with the Grifo radar designed entirely by Leonardo, is a light multi-role fighter and represents an extremely competitive tactical solution for modern operational scenarios. At the same time, the FA version retains all the features of the M-346AJT, including the ETTS suite (Embedded Tactical Training Simulation). At the Dubai Air Show, Leonardo also presents the new M-345, the ideal basic training solution. Already ordered by the Italian Air Force, the M-345 will also replace the MB-339 as an aircraft used by the "Frecce Tricolori". Among the most notable examples of the success of Leonardo's trainers, also the national aerobatic team of the Emirates "Al Fursan" flies on the MB-339.
In the United Arab Emirates, Leonardo is also engaged in space activities, such as the Khalifa Sat Earth Observation program, in collaboration with the Mohammed-bin-Rashid Space Center in Dubai. Launched in October 2018, Leonardo supplied the solar panels of KhalifaSat. Telespazio, which plays a leading role in the European Galileo satellite constellation, has recently signed an agreement with the UAE Yahsat company, to cooperate in the field of satellite navigation, telecommunications and geo-information.
Leonardo's vast range of systems, avionics sensors and anti-drone solutions will be shown during the Airshow. These include the new aerobar drone, 'M-40, the AESA second-generation Osprey surveillance radar, the Miysis DIRCM countermeasures, recently selected by the British Royal Air Force, and BriteCloud. To respond to threats posed by hostile drones, Leonardo is also able to provide anti-drone solutions (C-UAS) tailored to civil and military customers. Leonardo is already supplying its C-UAS technologies to the Italian, British and US armed forces and, in some cases, its systems have already been used in the skies of some airports.
At the regional level, Leonardo provided - also through its US subsidiary Leonardo DRS - integrated naval systems for combat management, terrestrial electronics, fire control systems and military radios. He is currently pursuing new opportunities for both the land and naval sectors.