Italian defense contractors Fincantieri and Leonardo have agreed basic guided guidelines under which their Orizzonte Sistemi Navali joint venture will be restructured.
As announced by the two companies, the aim is to give Orizzonte Sistemi Navali the responsibility for the development of the combat systems and the definition of subsystem requirements, including the Combat Management Systems.
Fincantieri will continue to act as prime contractor and the single customer interface, it was noted.
Leonardo will retain its role as developer and supplier of the systems and equipment of the combat systems and the combat management systems, thus strengthening its presence in the market through the ongoing preferred partnership with Fincantieri.
The revamp of Orizzonte Sistemi Navali (OSN) will be undertaken to enhance complimentary expertise – developed at a national level in order to expand market presence abroad. , the Joint Venture held by Fincantieri and Leonardo with shares of 51% and 49%, respectively.
Giuseppe Bono, chief executive officer of Fincantieri, said: “We believe that an ever-closer collaboration between the two most important defence companies in Italy is crucial. The agreement signed today is a demonstration of our on-going commitment as we look to the future. As prime contractor for the entire naval system, Fincantieri will continue to act as the single customer interface, enhancing the product offering of the two groups and acting also as a driver of the development of technological excellence for small and medium-sized Italian companies in the sector.”