# Fincantieri and Leonardo agree to strengthen naval defence joint venture

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/fincantieri-and-leonardo-agree-to-strengthen-naval-defence-joint-venture/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-11-05T09:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-04T09:12:36+00:00
- **Section:** Business / Partnerships
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** DDX Destroyers, Defence Industry, Euronaval 2026, Fincantieri, FREMM, FREMM EVO, Industrial Partnerships, Italian Navy, Italy, Leonardo, Naval Defence, Naval Shipbuilding, Offshore Patrol Vessels, Orizzonte Sistemi Navali, OSN, Shipbuilding

Fincantieri and Leonardo have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to strengthen the industrial and commercial role of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN), their existing joint venture specialising in naval defence programmes and the integration of warship platforms and combat systems.

The agreement was signed on 3 November 2026 during the Euronaval exhibition in Paris by Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, and Lorenzo Mariani, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Leonardo.

OSN is owned 51% by Fincantieri and 49% by Leonardo. The new agreement establishes guiding principles for the future development of their cooperation, focusing on industrial capabilities, commercial opportunities and the integration of technologies for domestic and international naval markets.

The companies did not announce a new shipbuilding order, financial commitment or change in the ownership structure of the joint venture.

### Agreement focuses on naval systems integration

The cooperation aims to reinforce OSN’s role in coordinating naval platforms and combat systems as military vessel programmes become increasingly complex.

Fincantieri contributes expertise in ship design, construction and platform systems, while Leonardo provides capabilities in naval electronics, sensors, combat systems and related technologies.

The companies intend to use these complementary capabilities to pursue opportunities in Italy and international defence markets, while supporting the development and execution of existing naval programmes.

Pierroberto Folgiero, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Fincantieri, said the agreement reflected the importance of industrial partnerships in strengthening the competitiveness of Italy’s naval defence sector.

Lorenzo Mariani, Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of Leonardo, identified digitalisation, artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and advanced sensors among the technological developments changing the requirements of modern naval programmes.

### OSN involved in major Italian naval programmes

Orizzonte Sistemi Navali is involved in several programmes supporting the Italian Navy, including the development of new-generation DDX destroyers and the construction of FREMM EVO frigates.

Its activities also cover existing Italian and international FREMM frigates, logistics support programmes for naval vessels and four Offshore Patrol Vessels.

In September 2026, OSN signed a separate contract with OCCAR for two new-generation DDX destroyers for the Italian Navy. That contract has a total reported value of approximately €3.7 billion, including options.

The latest Letter of Intent does not modify the reported value of that contract or establish additional shipbuilding commitments.

Through the new agreement, Fincantieri and Leonardo aim to reinforce OSN’s position as a prime contractor and systems integration partner, while exploring further opportunities in naval defence markets.

The announcement establishes a framework for deeper cooperation, with any subsequent contracts, investments or specific industrial arrangements requiring separate confirmation.

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Cite as: "Fincantieri and Leonardo agree to strengthen naval defence joint venture", pelavox., 5 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/fincantieri-and-leonardo-agree-to-strengthen-naval-defence-joint-venture/