October marked a major milestone in Leonardo’s role as a strategic security partner for the UK Government, with the Home Office selecting our MC_linX Dispatcher to support the Emergency Services Network (ESN). The capability ensures robust, future-proofed communications for emergency services across the UK.
In a landmark move for European space collaboration, Leonardo, Airbus and Thales signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to create a new unified space company, combining their respective space activities into a single entity. Expected to be operational by 2027, the new company will enhance Europe’s strategic autonomy and competitiveness in the global space market. With a workforce of 25,000 and a combined annual turnover of €6.5 billion, the venture will deliver end-to-end space infrastructure and services, foster innovation and support national sovereign programmes across the continent.
In a significant step towards unlocking the potential of defence innovation, Leonardo signed an MoU with Ploughshare, the UK Ministry of Defence’s commercialisation partner. By leveraging Ploughshare’s expertise, we aim to drive economic growth, strengthen sovereign capability and extend the impact of defence innovation into wider sectors across the UK.
During the month, we also welcomed the announcement that Türkiye will purchase 20 Eurofighter Typhoons from the UK, underscoring the aircraft’s enduring value to NATO’s collective deterrence. The export deal will secure thousands of highly skilled jobs across Leonardo sites and the wider UK defence industry, reinforcing national resilience and highlighting the sector’s role as a powerful engine for economic growth.
Leonardo’s commitment to nurturing early careers talent was on full display at the 2025 Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) Apprentice Automation Challenge, where nine apprentice teams from the company showcased their ingenuity. The ‘Seven Seeds’ team from our Luton site earned the coveted Peer Review Award for their innovative ‘Plant Buddy’ – a self-watering plant pot equipped with environmental sensors and an E-Ink display.
Finally, we were proud to engage with over 3,000 visitors at New Scientist Live 2025, where our team highlighted the vital role of STEM in shaping the future of our industry and society. Do you like the sound of a career in STEM? Our 2026 early careers applications opened this month, offering opportunities across apprenticeships, graduate schemes, degree apprenticeships and placements at our sites throughout the UK.