GEM Elettronica’s SeaEagle system.
Leonardo Completes Full Acquisition of GEM Elettronica: Rome, March 23, 2026: Italian defence and aerospace giant Leonardo has announced the completion of its acquisition of GEM Elettronica, increasing its stake from 65% to full ownership.
The move marks a strategic step in consolidating Leonardo’s capabilities in naval and coastal surveillance systems, as the company seeks to expand its footprint in the global maritime defence market.
Expanding Control Over Critical Technologies
By taking 100% ownership of GEM Elettronica, Leonardo gains full control over the company’s specialised product portfolio. This includes advanced navigation systems, radar sensors, situational awareness technologies, as well as optronic and inertial sensors—key components widely used in naval defence and coastal monitoring operations.
The integration is expected to enhance Leonardo’s ability to deliver end-to-end solutions for maritime security, combining platform-level systems with high-performance onboard electronics.
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Strengthening Maritime and Coastal Defence Offerings
GEM Elettronica has built a strong reputation in the military naval domain, particularly in coastal surveillance and vessel navigation technologies. Its systems are designed to improve detection, tracking, and operational awareness in complex maritime environments.
With global demand rising for advanced naval surveillance—driven by increasing geopolitical tensions and the need to secure coastlines and exclusive economic zones—this acquisition positions Leonardo to better compete in both domestic and export markets.
Leonardo’s NH-90 helicopter. (File Photo).
Financial and Strategic Significance
GEM Elettronica reported revenues exceeding €45 million in 2025 (≈ $48.4 million), reflecting its niche but growing presence in defence electronics. While relatively small compared to Leonardo’s overall operations, the company brings highly specialised capabilities that complement Leonardo’s broader systems integration expertise.
The deal is less about scale and more about strategic depth—allowing Leonardo to internalise critical technologies and streamline development, production, and support processes.
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Driving Integration and Innovation
Full ownership will enable closer alignment between the two companies’ research and development efforts. Leonardo is expected to leverage GEM’s expertise to accelerate innovation in next-generation radar and sensor systems, particularly those tailored for naval platforms and coastal defence networks.
This integration also supports lifecycle efficiency, from design and manufacturing to maintenance and upgrades—an increasingly important factor in long-term defence contracts.
Positioning for Future Growth
The acquisition reflects a broader trend in the defence industry, where major players are consolidating specialised suppliers to strengthen technological sovereignty and reduce reliance on external vendors.
For Leonardo, the move reinforces its strategy of expanding high-value electronics and sensor capabilities—areas seen as critical in modern warfare, where data, detection, and situational awareness are key advantages.
As maritime security continues to gain prominence globally, the full integration of GEM Elettronica is expected to enhance Leonardo’s competitiveness and support its ambitions in naval defence systems.
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