Signed at Euronaval in Paris, the letter establishes guiding principles for future cooperation between the two groups. Fincantieri owns 51% of the venture, known as OSN, while Leonardo holds 49%.
The companies want to consolidate OSN’s position in integrating naval platforms, combat systems and command capabilities as defence programmes become more complex. Their agreement brings together that industrial objective with efforts to pursue further naval business using their respective technologies and expertise.
“In a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape, the ability to develop strategic industrial partnerships is a key driver for strengthening the competitiveness and international standing of the Italian defense industry,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, Fincantieri’s chief executive officer and managing director. “Today’s agreement confirms the value of cooperation between two of the country’s leading companies, capable of realizing significant potential in both the domestic and international markets.”
OSN’s portfolio includes the Italian Navy’s new-generation DDX destroyers, FREMM EVO frigates under construction, and Italian and international Legacy FREMM programmes. It also covers four offshore patrol vessels and logistics support for FREMM frigates and other Italian Navy ships.
Those programmes underpin OSN’s role as a prime contractor for Italian naval capabilities. The new agreement builds on that work, with both shareholders seeking a stronger role for the venture in future domestic and international opportunities.
Leonardo’s chief executive officer and general manager, Lorenzo Mariani, said changing technologies were reshaping the demands placed on naval suppliers. He linked cooperation between the companies to Italy’s technological autonomy and industrial competitiveness.
“The signing of this agreement further confirms that the defense industry is capable of combining its expertise to meet the needs emerging at the global level,” Mariani said. “Digitalization, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, advanced sensors, and new capabilities for processing and sharing data are redefining requirements, timelines, and operating procedures.”
