Leonardo’s presence at Security and Policing this month, reinforced our position as a trusted partner to the UK Ministry of Defence, Home Office and NATO.
The major highlight of the event was the unveiling of Guardian Shield – our cutting-edge electronic countermeasure system designed to protect the public, bomb disposal teams and infrastructure from explosive threats. Guardian Shield employs software-defined radios to survey, detect and identify threat signals, then applies precise countermeasures to neutralise then. The event also showcased our new CUAS Ops Room for the first time, demonstrating our advanced counter-uncrewed air systems capabilities.
In an era of data explosion, Leonardo Senior Data Scientist Hannah Alexander explored how AI and Machine Learning technologies transform raw data into actionable insights for cyber security teams. From anomaly detection to predictive analytics, these tools enable smarter decisions and operational efficiencies across defence and security sectors.
During the month, we launched our SME Collaboration Partner Programme with Form1 Partners, aiming to build long-term strategic partnerships with innovative UK defence SMEs. The initiative focuses on delivering mutual commercial benefit and sovereign capability, moving beyond traditional accelerator models.
We were also honoured to welcome the Royal Air Force Typhoon Display Team to our Edinburgh site. This year’s display pilot, Sqn Ldr Nathan Shawyer, explained how he and other pilots rely on the Leonardo sensors on-board the Eurofighter Typhoon. The visit included provided the team with a tour of our radar and laser facilities, as well as the latest technologies being developed for the Typhoon and other combat air aircraft.
Staying with future combat air capability, March saw the launch of series three of the Future Horizons podcast, featuring insights from Team Tempest partners. Over the past year, six new episodes were broadcast, including a special collaboration with the RAF’s Inside Air podcast in April which explored how the UK’s Future Combat Air Strategy and the core platform being developed by GCAP will meet future operational needs.
March also marked Neurodiversity Celebration Week. With up to 20% of the UK population being neurodivergent, we highlighted stories from our colleagues and showcased the support provided by our Enable network and partners such as the Business Disability Forum.
To mark Women’s History Month, we welcomed Air Commodore Emily Flynn CBE, who shared her journey from aspiring RAF pilot to senior leader commanding Brize Norton during Operation PITTING. Emily spoke about resilience, leadership under pressure and the importance of real role models, inspiring colleagues to continue driving gender equity across our workforce.
Finally, our Yeovil site completed wind tunnel testing of a 3D-printed scale model of the Proteus autonomous rotorcraft, continuing the milestone deliveries of the Royal Navy’s RWUAS Technology Demonstration Programme.