Leonardo’s new chief executive, Lorenzo Mariani, said Rome welcomes German participation in the Global Combat Air Programme, after Berlin withdrew from the €100 bn Future Combat Air System. Mariani warned that adding Germany would delay the schedule but could bring long‑term industrial and financial benefits to strengthen Italy’s defence sector and secure future procurement contracts.

The move follows France and Spain’s exit from the rival project and comes amid uncertainty over the UK’s financial commitment after John Healey’s resignation. Mariani noted that the UK remains a core partner, citing the country’s strategic importance and industrial capacity in advanced air systems, ensuring that the programme stays on track for a 2035 delivery date.

Mariani highlighted prior collaboration between Leonardo and BAE Systems on the Eurofighter Typhoon, suggesting that a German partner could accelerate technology transfer and share high‑cost development. He also stressed that industrial alignment is crucial, noting that the FCAS collapse stemmed from misaligned objectives among Airbus, Dassault and German industry, and align funding streams toward a unified goal.

If Germany joins, the programme will face new negotiation hurdles but could secure additional capital and expertise, potentially offsetting the €100 bn cost gap left by the FCAS exit. Investors will watch how the Italian defence group balances timing, cost and partnership dynamics in the coming months as the defence industry recalibrates its long‑term investment strategy.