Dual-use tech: the Leonardo example

"In particular, at present even small armed groups can challenge the superpowers through cheaply available civilian technologies that can compete with sophisticated and expensive weapon systems. Commercial drones or even smartphones are capable of inflicting considerable damage on defence systems such as tanks or ships."

"In this context, even new players coming from countries that either do not traditionally have an AD&S [Aerospace, Defence & Security] industry... can easily enter the market, thus significantly increasing competition in the industry."

Leonardo S.p.A. is Italy's largest defence and aerospace company headquartered in Rome, established in 1948 as Finmeccanica by the Italian state to revitalize post-Depression industries. The company manufactures helicopters, electronic components, planes, drones, satellite infrastructure, and cyber security products. By 2024, Leonardo reported revenue of £17.8bn with profits before tax of £1.5bn, with governments comprising over 80% of its customer base across Italy, the US, and the UK. The company operates nine sites in the UK. Leonardo emphasizes dual-use technologies as a competitive strategy, recognizing that affordable civilian technologies like commercial drones and smartphones now pose significant threats to traditional expensive defence systems, enabling smaller armed groups and new market entrants to challenge established players.

Read at Privacy International