ExpoDefensa 2021 is one of the main security and defense fairs in Latin America, to be held in the city of Bogota, from November 29 to December 1. Leonardo presents in its stand a wide range of technological solutions and products to meet the needs of governmental, military and civilian customers.
Latin America is a strategic market for Leonardo, given the need of the Armed Forces to renew obsolete defence material, as well as the incorporation of technology to boost security and civil protection efforts.
Francesco Moliterni, CCO VP LATAM Region at Leonardo, said: «Based on our technological leadership, Leonardo provides cutting-edge integrated products and solutions with dual-use applications to strengthen global security. Our intention in Latin America is to invest in developing local skills and production capabilities, rather than simply exporting. One country where we are creating long-term opportunities is Colombia, where we provide helicopters, defense systems, avionics and air traffic control radars. Here, we have agreements with the country’s CODALTEC and CIAC for potential joint participation in national programs, as well as business development throughout the region. Collaborations could relate to a wide range of capabilities including fixed-wing aircraft such as the M-346 Fighter Attack and ATR 72 for maritime patrol, helicopters and unmanned systems such as the Falco EVO, which is designed for surveillance missions. In a key example of Leonardo’s commitment to Latin America, we are also working on the construction of the Maricà satellite teleport in Brazil, one of the region’s most advanced ground structures for communications operators. Built by Telespazio’s Brazilian subsidiary, it will provide services that, through e-GEOS, will support the implementation of the Colombian Urban and Rural Cadastre project led by the Agustin Codazzi Geographic Institute.»
Main products exhibited
M-346 Fighter Attack (FA)
The M-346 FA is designed to perform a wide range of missions at a lower cost than front-line fighters. With features that include Leonardo’s integrated M-346 Griffin multi-mode fire control radar, the M-346FA can be employed as a tactical aircraft while maintaining its advanced training aircraft capabilities. Its multirole nature represents an ideal solution for the needs of many armed forces in the region.
C-28J Spartan
The aircraft has already been chosen in the region by the air forces of Mexico and Peru, where it performs solidly thanks to its ability to land on dirt and semi-prepared runways. The C-27J is considered a real asset to boost social inclusion, as it can reach populations in remote areas.
The C-27J Next Generation adds new avionics and aerodynamic elements that provide greater operational efficiency and improved performance. With operational experience accumulated in different geographic regions by a variety of users, the Spartan is employed in a wide range of challenging operational contexts, from the altitudes of the Andes to Afghanistan. Its missions include military, paratrooper and materiel transport, supporting troop deployments, special forces operations, humanitarian assistance and natural disaster support.
ATR-72MP
Leonardo, during this edition of ExpoDefensa, will exhibit the ATR-72MP (Maritime Patrol), which combines the reliability and low operating costs of the ATR 72-600 airliner with a state-of-the-art mission system.
The ATR 72MP is equipped with Leonardo’s ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) system, which manages all sensors on board the aircraft, combining the information received in real time in an overall tactical situation. This modular avionics system, which can also be integrated on board other aircraft, both airplanes, helicopters and drones, is highly effective for border surveillance, from monitoring transit corridors, fisheries protection and search and rescue (SAR) operations to anti-smuggling and patrolling economically exclusive zones. To date, more than 60 ATOS systems have been installed worldwide on 10 different types of aircraft.
Falco EVO
The FALCO EVO is an unmanned ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) system. The drone is capable of flying for more than 20 consecutive hours while carrying up to 100 kg of payload, including electro-optical sensors, radars and communication systems. Its endurance, connectivity and ability to carry multiple sensors make it an effective solution for monitoring large portions of land and sea.
AW139
At ExpoDefensa 2021 Leonardo will also highlight its AW139 helicopter, whose VVIP configuration has been chosen in Colombia as personal transport for the President of the Republic. This helicopter has also been chosen by customers in Colombia for civil transport operations in support of the oil and gas industry, with five helicopters entering service with operator Helistar in recent years.
Having secured orders for more than 1,200 units from over 290 customers in more than 70 countries, the AW139 is a market leader for multiple roles including, offshore transport, search and rescue, land security, firefighting, VIP and passenger transport, as well as military duties.
Leonardo has a presence in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile and Peru and intends to further expand and strengthen its presence in Latin America by promoting its products at ExpoDefensa 2021.
