September was dominated by DSEI 2019 in London. Leonardo’s significant presence included the AW149 – our latest-generation tactical troop helicopter – being the showpiece of our stand. The helicopter is rapidly configurable to meet a wide range of military missions: Troop transport/troop insertion (carrying up to 16 fully-equipped troops or up to 19 passengers), cargo re-supply/external lift, CASEVAC/MEDEVAC, search and rescue (SAR), Special Forces operations and combat SAR, Command and Control (C2), and close air support.
DSEI provided a new milestone for the Tempest programme with the RAF Aerospace zone providing the perfect setting to announce the signing of an MoU between the UK and Italy to work together on FCAS capability, including Tempest. The Team Tempest concept model once again proved to be a massive hit with visitors and provided a perfect backdrop to discuss the future of the programme and its value to the UK military, industry and skills development.
DSEI also saw Leonardo announce a series of contracts from the UK MOD to help tackle 21st century threats. These included an RAF Counter-Drone Research Programme (chosen due to Leonardo’s Counter UAV pedigree with Falcon Shield), an integrated DAS for the RAF Shadow ISTAR fleet and new GUARDIAN C-IED products.
Further announcements made by Leonardo at DSEI 2019 included unveiling the new SLX-SuperHawk thermal imaging camera, with fantastic high-resolution night vision and a long-life cooler, and the sale of over 600 man-portable laser designators to NATO and NATO-partner countries.
While at DSEI, Leonardo joined colleagues from across the sector to be one of the first to sign the Women in Defence Charter, a commitment to work together to build a more balanced enterprise and provide more opportunities for women in the industry to succeed at all levels.