Electronic warfare specialist Elettronica is growing on the international market through international programmes and industrial partnerships.
With 800 employees and a backlog of around €1 billion ($1.26 billion), Rome-based Elettronica secured a leading position in electronic warfare with its radio frequency (RF) electronic warfare product line.
The company is now widening its product portfolio with infrared countermeasures and multi-shared RF aperture technologies. It is also co-developing with Israel's Elbit group a direct infrared countermeasures systems family based on fibre laser technology to be ready from the end of 2009.
In parallel it is working with Selex Sistemi Integrati and Sweden's Saab group on multi-shared RF aperture systems capable of providing electronic support measures (ESM), EW and communication functionalities.
It is developing a DASS integrated suite for multi-role fighters, based on a digital receiver, solid-state and digital radio frequency memory technologies, an advanced radar warning receiver/electronic support measures for rotary-wing platforms and transport aircraft with enhanced situational awareness capabilities, and a new escort/support jammer pod.
With revenues for 2007 amounting to just over €170 million and a positive trend for the next three years, Elettronica's backlog derives mostly from international programmes, with the domestic market accounting for 25%.
It contributes to the main European programmes, including the Eurofighter Typhoon and Panavia Tornado defensive aid subsystems programmes, the ESM for the NH Industries NH90 and the ESM suite for the Italian-French Horizon and FREMM multi-role frigates programme.
An enriched backlog is expected from international sales, thanks to its subsidiary in Germany, its participation in high-tech company LNX in the USA and various Elettronica investments in local partnerships for co-development and product support, such as that in the United Arab Emirates with the Eltbat joint venture and the teaming agreement with Alpha Technologies in India.
In the domestic market, Elettronica provides most of the EW equipment acquired by Italian defence ministry. It is also participating in the Lockheed Martin Joint Strike Fighter programme.
Source: Flight International
