AI Air Shield Sparks US & Europe Concern

Roberto Cingolani's recent departure as head of Italy's defence group Leonardo has raised questions about the company's strategic direction. Cingolani's emphasis on advanced military technology, including partnerships with Turkey's Baykar and Germany's Rheinmetall, had driven a share price increase but also unsettled the defence establishment and international allies. Projects like the AI-powered "Michelangelo Dome" air defence shield, intended for Ukraine by November 2026, generated friction with US and European officials concerned about existing missile defence coordination and potential challenges to US systems.

Critics argued Cingolani was too focused on frontier technologies, neglecting the urgent need to expand production of drones and ammunition. His decision to pivot towards Rheinmetall for land vehicles followed a breakdown in negotiations with KNDS. The partnership with Baykar on UAVs also faced scrutiny due to its political sensitivity and Baykar's delivery capacity. Former CEO Cingolani defended his "bullets and bytes" vision, citing market interest and affordability. Leonardo's new CEO, Lorenzo Mariani, an engineer with deep company knowledge, is expected to focus on increasing competitiveness and responsiveness, balancing the company's public listing with its role as a strategic state asset.