Defence companies in Italy
Leonardo, Italy's dominant defence and aerospace group with €19.5 billion in 2024 revenue, is targeting €30 billion by 2030 on the back of rising European defence budgets and a recently completed €1.6 billion acquisition of Iveco's armoured vehicle division. Italy's own defence allocation sits at roughly 1.3 % of GDP, below the NATO target, but the 2025 to 2027 Defence White Paper flags unmanned systems, cyber and anti-submarine warfare as spending priorities. Rome and Turin host a growing cluster of smaller aerospace and dual-use technology firms supplying components and software into larger prime programmes.
Sectors in Italy
All Defence Companies in Italy
Develops EOS, a containerised single-stage reusable orbital rocket that launches from a standard shipping container with no fixed launch pad required.
Designs and manufactures armoured tactical vehicles, special-purpose transport and electronic warfare systems for defence, emergency response and civil security markets.
Builds orbital transfer vehicles and mission control software that deliver satellites to precise orbits and enable in-space logistics services.
Ecosmic develops operating systems for space security environments. The company advances software used in space and addresses space debris issues by inventing plug-and-play technology that improves collision avoidance. Their SAFE system helps satellite operators navigate collision risks.
Rome-based defence electronics SME founded in 1994 supplying embedded systems, rugged servers, and RF signal processing components to the Italian Navy for radar, sonar, and C4 systems. Developed the Beluga and Beluga-T tethered drones for ISR missions and partners with Edge Autonomy on Italian defence UAS.
Designs SAR simulation tools, radar instruments, EO data processors and value-added analytics services for European and international space missions.
Italian precision rifle manufacturer producing sniper systems for military and law enforcement. Selected by the Italian Army as its Future Sniper Rifle (Scorpio V in .338 LM) and by the Italian State Police for the Gladio PS A1.
Composite panels and hybrid laminates manufacturer serving armoured vehicles, helicopter interiors, ship reinforcement and body armour. Based in Bra (Cuneo), with a US subsidiary in Wisconsin.
Adaptronics is a DeepTech startup developing energy-efficient electro-adhesion systems with dual-use robotics applications. Their proprietary Electro Active Adhesive Layer (EAAL) technology enables versatile electrostatic gripping with integrated tactile sensing, applicable to defense and commercial automation.
AI and automation for space-based defence systems. Developing artificial intelligence solutions for satellite operations and space missions.
Pordenone-based manufacturer of light aircraft and military UAVs since 1999, producing the Strix-DF and Strix-C mini tactical systems deployed by the Italian Air Force in Afghanistan. Acquired by RedFish LongTerm Capital in October 2025 for €4 million.
Rome-based aerospace startup founded in 2017 developing reusable aerial target drones for cost-efficient counter-UAS training. Its AY-44Q Zombie platform withstands 10+ engagements before full overhaul, addressing the cost of live-fire C-UAS exercises.
Graphene-based photonic transceivers for high-speed data transfer in defence and AI applications. Cambridge University spinout. EUR25M Series A co-led by NATO Innovation Fund.
Designs and manufactures RF jamming systems and counter-drone equipment for military, law enforcement and critical infrastructure protection worldwide.
MIL-STD certified defence technology R&D firm specializing in advanced military system design and qualification testing.
Italian cyber defence company focused on protecting national security, critical infrastructure, and government institutions. Employs around 147 specialists across cyber projects, products, services and training for the Italian Ministry of Defence and security agencies.
Italian industrial group providing end-to-end IoT and cybersecurity solutions for critical infrastructure, defence, and public administration sectors.
Italian subsea engineering company founded in 1927 designing submarine rescue systems, hyperbaric defence chambers and saturation diving equipment. Supplies turnkey submarine rescue ships and deep-diving systems used by navies worldwide.
Italian counter-drone company that designed and manufactures the S.EN.T.IN.EL direction-finding system, covering 0-6 GHz and Wi-Fi 2.4/5.8 GHz bands to detect and classify commercial UAS. Has run C-UAS operations with the Italian Air Force, including protecting the Italy-Israel Nations League match.
Scandicci-based radar manufacturer founded in 1993, producing X-band weather radars and software-defined radar simulators for defence. Supplies hardware-in-the-loop and EW assessment radars to defence customers and weather radars in 15+ countries.
Designs and manufactures carbon-fibre naval consoles, composite ISO shelters, large-screen situational awareness displays and embedded electronics for defence, aerospace and security customers worldwide.
Ephos designs and manufactures glass-based integrated photonic circuits using femtosecond laser writing techniques that power advanced classical and quantum computing devices.
An Italian aerospace company developing the HyperDart air-launched rocket system using hypersonic ramjet technology to provide flexible, cost-effective access to space for small satellites up to 250kg.
Pisa-based robotics spin-off from Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna developing force-controllable manipulator arms for harsh environments using patented Fluid Wire transmission technology. Member of NATO DIANA 2025 cohort and EIC Accelerator grant recipient for €2.5M.
Livorno-based defence software company developing OPENSIGHT, a multi-platform Processing, Exploitation and Dissemination (PED) system for ISR missions. Builds automatic target recognition, mission consoles and underwater optronic mast consoles for defence and security operators.
Contract electronics manufacturer for military avionics, naval and land systems based in Viterbo. Specialises in SMT and PTH board assembly, RF cable preparation and space-grade wiring to ECSS and MIL-DTL standards.
Catania-based satellite communications provider delivering milsatcom networks and on-the-move broadband terminals to the Italian MoD, Coast Guard and Civil Protection. Distributor of Ovzon in Italy, with throughputs up to 150 Mbps on ground, maritime and airborne platforms.
Anzio-based designer and integrator of telecommunications and surveillance systems for military air, land, naval, space and cyber domains, founded in 1990. Its catalogue includes day/night imaging systems and a C-UAS system, and it is upgrading the NATO VLF transmission station in Tavolara.
Rome-based microwave and microelectronics SME designing passive, active and digital RF components for defence, space and telecommunications customers. Founded and directed by engineers from Selenia, Elettronica and Alenia Spazio.
Italian space SME active since 2005 in satellite ground segment, earth observation, propulsion systems and avionics with defence customers. Designs control stations and instruments for satellite communication and remote sensing missions.
Defence modelling and simulation SME founded in 2021 by Italian Army generals and aviation pilots, providing mission training simulators (VBS4, JTLS, JCATS, EADSIM) and the AI-powered Big Data Guard situational awareness platform. Based in Casalecchio di Reno near Bologna.
Autonomous in-orbit satellite servicing and life extension technology for defence and commercial constellations.
Provides Ground Segment as a Service through a global network of owned and operated satellite ground stations.
Develops quantum cybersecurity solutions through quantum key distribution technology. Provides unconditional security for communications using quantum physics principles.
Italian radar company developing SAR payloads for space and ground-based defence surveillance, including the StarSAR-X and lightweight PhoeniX SAR sensors. Has a dedicated defence division building customisable radar for airborne and ground surveillance.
Space propulsion startup founded in 2019 near Rome developing water-electrolysis micro thrusters for satellites. Partnered with Thales Alenia Space Italia and backed by ESA BIC Lazio, with patents granted in the EU, Italy, India and Japan.
Aerospace division of NPC New Production Concept, founded in 2013 in Imola, providing nanosatellite platforms, CubeSat deployers, separation systems and the ARTICA deorbiting device for civil and defence missions. Has delivered over 236 hardware units across 19+ satellite missions.
Cagliari-based defence systems engineering company delivering multi-sensor data fusion, automatic target tracking and space domain awareness solutions. Builds the NEOS electro-optical long-range tracking system and leads the STAALION in-situ SDA project protecting European satellites.
Designs and manufactures space-qualified optical payloads, laser communication ground stations and optical telescopes for Earth observation, space surveillance and defence applications.
Italian defence supplier designing modular training facilities, tactical operations centres and Role2B field hospitals for armed forces and police. Also provides ballistic personal protection, underwater DPDs, armoured VR9 vehicles and conversion kits for non-lethal training munitions.
Satcom and advanced telecommunications SME founded in 1990, supplying video satellite transmission, disaster-proof comms and customised satcom projects to government customers. NATO-certified (COD AN 030) and distributor of Inmarsat equipment.
Italian quantum communications company founded in 2020 as a CNR spin-off, developing industrial Quantum Key Distribution systems for government and defence. Its QKD links secured Italian G7 summit communications and it is building quantum repeaters under a 7 million euro EU contract.
Italian manufacturer of modular military shelters, bunkers, sentry boxes, field hospitals and force protection structures serving NATO, EU and allied ministries. Holds NATO AQAP 2110 and STANAG 2280 ballistic protection certifications, with deployments in Kosovo, Iraq, Lebanon and Afghanistan.
San Cesareo-based military optronics supplier founded in 1992, specialising in night vision, thermal imaging, tactical illumination and target engagement systems. Since 2015 it has manufactured its own products and is an approved source for 317 NATO stock numbers.
Italian embedded computing company with 16 years designing electro-optical targeting systems, direction finding antennas, radar target generators and electronic warfare simulation systems for defence applications. ISO 9001 certified with multi-domain AI capabilities.
Terni-based manufacturer of tactical mini and micro UAS for reconnaissance and surveillance missions, founded in 2007 as a University of Perugia spin-off. Supplies the Italian Armed Forces, police, and civil protection with the SR-X1, SR-X4, and RADON-X platforms.
Vimodrone-based manufacturer of voice communication systems for air traffic control and defence, founded in 1946 with around 200 employees. Its MULTIFONO M800IP VCS family supports Italian military control centres and NATO coordination, with 466+ systems installed in 51+ countries.
Italian small tactical UAS manufacturer founded in 2017, developing fixed-wing unmanned aircraft in the 25-150 kg class. Its Rapier X-25 drone holds Italy's highest safety certification for lightweight drones and supplied the airframe for MBDA Italia's Small loitering munition.
Villorba-based manufacturer of diver propulsion vehicles with over 20 years of design experience. The Nero XJ, Nero C, Nero 1 and Nero 2 DPVs are sold exclusively to state security forces for combat-swimmer missions to depths of 200 metres.
Milan Polytechnic spin-off developing laser-based wireless power beaming systems that deliver 200W over 3+km distances to drones, sensors, and underwater platforms. Won the Italian Navy DEEP LIGHT project award in 2026 for powering autonomous underwater systems.
Italian designer and manufacturer of radar, electronic warfare, and counter-drone systems for naval, airborne, ground and space applications. Has delivered over 30 product lines to 23 worldwide customers across 28 years of operation.
Rome-based Sapienza University spin-off building underwater wireless communication networks and the Internet of Underwater Things. Contributed to NATO underwater communications standardization (NIAG 190, SG243) and supplies Fincantieri's DEEP naval surveillance system.
