At the second edition of Rimland — the geostrategy and geoeconomics forum organised by the Network of Aerospace and Defence Companies of Lazio (Rial) in cooperation with the Presidency of the City Council of Anagni, the Med-Or Italian Foundation and Anagnia.com — Jacopo Recchia sets out a clear roadmap for the future of the sector.
Why he matter: As CEO of Aviorec Composites and president of the regional industrial network, Mr Recchia emphasises the conditions necessary to establish a modern, resilient, and fully European industrial base. In this interview, he discusses the essential levers, the role of SMEs, and his proposal for a European consortium dedicated to critical components.
Q: You describe a concrete opportunity to strengthen European security. What does it consist of?
A: Today, Italy and Europe have the opportunity to truly strengthen their security through a modern and collaborative industrial base. In the work I am carrying out with the network of aerospace and defence companies in Lazio, I see a wealth of expertise that can grow rapidly if placed within a shared vision.
Q: What are the fundamental levers to unlock this potential?
A: We need three levers: long-term planned investments, more agile processes, and a clear definition of the areas in which we want to excel as a country. Companies are ready to contribute with innovation, production capacity and cooperation with universities and research centres.
Q: What, in your view, makes a supply chain truly resilient?
A: A resilient supply chain is built by bringing together what already works: strong territorial production chains, high-tech SMEs, common European standards, and the ability to scale up production when needed.
- In Lazio, we are demonstrating that this approach can become a replicable model at the national level.
- The goal is straightforward: to consolidate skills and responsibilities, making Italy an increasingly pivotal player in European security. It is a path we can take with confidence and a spirit of collaboration.
Q: You highlight the need to build a strong European supply chain. What concrete steps are required?
A: Several very concrete steps are needed. The first is investing in the second industrial line. Resilience is not built solely on large groups, but above all on a network of SMEs that can increase production when necessary.
- Many of these companies have extraordinary skills, but often lack capital, certifications, financial instruments and qualified personnel.
- We need targeted measures — for example, a fund to accelerate the production capacity of defence SMEs.
Q: One of your proposals is the creation of a “European MBDA” for critical components. What do you envision?
A: If we truly want to be competitive and autonomous, we need a critical mass. I propose the creation of a European consortium dedicated to critical components, coordinating national investments and specialisations. Not everything has to be produced in Italy, but everything must be produced in Europe.
The bottom line: “The goal is simple yet ambitious: to bring together capabilities, vision and responsibility to make Italy a central actor in European security. This path requires collaboration, continuity and mutual trust, but we have everything we need to lead it,” said Recchia.
