Cingolani’s confirmation
Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo since 9 May last year, commented on the agreement with Fincantieri as follows: “The sale of Underwater Armaments & Systems is part of the plan to rationalize Leonardo’s business portfolio. The initiative gives further impetus to the collaboration between Leonardo and Fincantieri”.
Torpedoes and sonar
Wass is based in Livorno and has a second site in Pozzuoli, operates in the underwater defense industry, produces torpedoes, countermeasures and sonars, with approximately 450 employees. Many years ago it was a mixed public-private company, between Finmeccanica IRI and Fiat, at the time it was called Whitehead Alenia systems underwater, then it became entirely part of the Finmeccanica group and kept the name of Wass. In particular, Wass is responsible for the development of the Black Shark torpedoes, those that will equip the U212 NFS submarines of the Italian Navy made by Fincantieri.
Wass’ Black Shark torpedoes. EPA/HUMBERTO GOMEZ
The Mu90 light torpedo
Another product is the Mu90 light torpedo, made together with two French companies. The business line sold through Wass also includes the 50% stake in Geie EuroTorp, established with the French Naval Group and Thales, which designs and produces the Mu90 torpedo.
Moretti’s “one company”.
During the management of Mauro Moretti, who changed the name of Finmeccanica to Leonardo and concentrated a large part of the companies and operating companies in the parent company “one company”, Wass was merged by incorporation into Leonardo. Since January 1, 2016, Wass’ activities have merged into the Defense Systems division, within Leonardo’s Electronics, Defense and Security Systems sector, together with Oto Melara of La Spezia, which produces land armaments (armored and tracked vehicles, cannons, bombs).
Oto Melara remains with Leonardo
The agreement with Fincantieri does not include Oto Melara, which Leonardo aims to develop with the new orders expected from the army to renew the fleet of Ariete heavy tanks and Dardo light armored vehicles, through agreements with other foreign groups: there are negotiations with the Franco-German Knds and contacts with the German Rheinmetall.
