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Robert Wall
July 21, 2026
Credit: Hensoldt
FARNBOROUGH, England—Leonardo plans to hold on to its stake in German defense electronics specialist Hensoldt, according to the CEO of the Italian defense giant, Lorenzo Mariani.
His predecessor, Roberto Cingolani, in February said he expected a decision soon on what Leonardo may do with its shareholding in Hensoldt. Leonardo held a 25% stake, though that came down to 22.8% when the German defense electronic company undertook a capital increase. “There are different options on the table,” Cingolani said, including selling shares to the German government.
Mariani said “we have decided to retain our stake,” in part because of the booming market in Germany.
While Leonardo has its own defense electronics operations, Mariani said there is little competition and, in fact, there are opportunities for cooperation.
