As 2024 draws to a close, December has been a month to build and reflect on significant milestones for Leonardo, marked by groundbreaking partnerships, technological advancements and a commitment to celebrating future talent.
In a landmark agreement reached this month, BAE Systems, Leonardo and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd formed a new company under a business joint venture to deliver the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). This trilateral partnership will oversee the design, development and delivery of a next-generation combat aircraft, with operations and joint teams in each partner nation. The agreement solidifies the commitment of the UK, Japan and Italy to collaborate on this strategically important programme, which is expected to generate long-term economic benefits and ensure each nation's security for decades to come.
Also during this month, the Excalibur Flight Test Aircraft achieved a significant milestone with the completion of its first phase of modification and flight testing. This involved equipping a former Boeing 757 aircraft with new side and belly pods to accommodate advanced sensor technology demonstrators. The Excalibur programme remains on schedule, with the next phase focused on installing Leonardo's next-generation sensor technology – a crucial element for developing capabilities for GCAP.
We also announced that Leonardo's Miysis DIRCM and MAIR threat warning system was chosen to protect a government customer's new VIP Airbus A330 aircraft. This advanced system offers comprehensive protection against infrared missile threats, with a 100% success rate in live trials. Its unique features included minimal through-life costs due to the elimination of maintenance requirements and no ITAR restrictions, providing greater operational flexibility.
The Flying Start Challenge team, of which Leonardo is a key partner, received the Royal Aeronautical Society's Team Bronze Medal for their significant contributions to the advancement of aerospace art, science and engineering. This STEM initiative in South West England encourages students aged 11-14 to explore aerospace engineering by designing, building and testing model gliders. Supported by industry STEM ambassadors, including those from Leonardo’s Yeovil site, students gain hands-on experience and develop their understanding of flight and aerospace principles.
Elsewhere, four Leonardo apprentices were winners in the national Electronics Weekly BrightSparks Awards, celebrating the UK's brightest young engineers. These Edinburgh- and Luton-based apprentices demonstrated exceptional skills and contributions to their respective fields, including electronics engineering and customer service.
At the start of the month, and in recognition of International Day of Persons with Disabilities, we published an article by Andy Yates, Chair of Leonardo’s UK employee network group Enable, which looked at the steps taken by the company to create an inclusive environment for those with disabilities. By raising awareness, we aim to continue to remove barriers to career progression such as discrimination, stigma and a lack of understanding.
We hope you have enjoyed our look back on the successes and achievements of everyone at Leonardo in the UK during 2024, and we look forward to reporting on many more in 2025!
If our story sounds like something that you would like to be a part of in the New Year, why not learn more about Life at Leonardo? We offer a range of engineering and business opportunities to those starting their careers, as well as those looking for their next big challenge. Visit our careers pages to find the role for you.