Driving the news: Italian firms emerged as top performers at the exhibition, backed by the visit of Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and senior military leadership.
- The deals span naval systems, aerospace, and space cooperation aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
- Bilateral trade between Italy and Saudi Arabia exceeds €10 billion annually, highlighting the strategic weight of the relationship.
The big win — Fincantieri:
- Wass Submarine Systems, a Fincantieri subsidiary, signed a contract worth more than €200 million with the Saudi Ministry of Defense for MU90 lightweight torpedoes.
- It is the largest contract in the company’s 150‑year history.
- Deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2030 and will be managed from the Livorno facility.
- Why it’s significant: The MU90 — already used by the Italian Navy and more than ten other navies — is designed for complex anti‑submarine warfare missions from ships, fixed‑wing aircraft and helicopters.
Also on display: Fincantieri showcased Andromega, a new mobile counter‑drone system unveiled weeks earlier in Doha. The platform integrates the Omega 360 radar — set to equip Italy’s next‑generation FREMM Evo frigates — with twin 30mm guns. Tests are planned in Qatar this summer, with negotiations ongoing for a potential order of 20–40 units.
Leonardo’s push:
- Talks are underway for a contract covering four C‑27J maritime patrol aircraft.
- Saudi Arabia would become the launch customer for the armed MPA variant of the tactical transport aircraft.
- A separate government‑to‑government deal under discussion involves eight low‑Earth‑orbit satellites (four optical and four SAR) to boost surveillance capabilities.
Space cooperation expands:
- ELT Group and D‑Orbit signed a strategic cooperation agreement in Riyadh to develop space capabilities.
- The partnership focuses on spectrum monitoring, cybersecurity, satellite platforms and in‑orbit services.
- The Saudi Ministry of Investment backed the initiative as part of Vision 2030 industrial goals.
What they’re saying:
- ELT CEO Enzo Benigni said space represents the new frontier of information superiority, with the partnership integrating electromagnetic spectrum analysis and cyber intelligence with next‑generation orbital platforms.
- D‑Orbit CEO Luca Rossettini said the cooperation will strengthen national capabilities in surveillance, cybersecurity and orbital infrastructure while supporting local industrial development and technology transfer.
Yes, but: The agreement also explores local production, technology transfer and workforce development to align with Saudi localization policies.
Another deal: Italian firm Nurjana Technologies & Space signed a memorandum of understanding with Saudi company First Shield to cooperate in Test & Evaluation activities — a key area for Saudi military modernization — including plans for a future joint venture and center of excellence.
Italy out in force: The Italian delegation covered all five operational domains — land, sea, air, space and security — with major groups including Leonardo, Fincantieri, ELT Group, Iveco Defence Vehicles, MBDA and Beretta, alongside a broad network of SMEs.
The bottom line: High‑level political and military participation underscored Italy’s long‑term commitment to the Saudi market, as Rome positions its defense and aerospace sector at the center of the Kingdom’s modernization drive.
