During the first plenary session of the 34th ICAS Congress (International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences), Roberto Cingolani, CEO and General Manager of Leonardo, delved into the technological evolution impacting the Defence sector. Held with participation from aeronautical associations and experts from over 40 countries, the Congress set the stage for addressing emerging challenges. Cingolani’s analysis underscored the significance of new technologies like artificial intelligence, robotics, cybersecurity, and the cloud — which, although born from civil markets, have become crucial game-changers for Defence.
This technological revolution coincides with a geopolitical landscape increasingly marked by instability and evolving threats, requiring a shift in Defence strategies. According to Cingolani, the rapid rise of advanced technologies has redefined security priorities. He highlighted the growing need for countries to pivot towards a global security framework, addressing issues not only related to military matters but also touching on broader concerns like food and energy insecurity. Furthermore, social problems tied to health, transportation, financial services, and supply chain management are now seen as central elements of national security.
Cingolani emphasized two major takeaways: “The first lesson learnt is that we should start thinking in a different way, from the traditional concept of Defence to global security. The second is that our Defence must rely on an interconnected and integrated digital architecture, able to perceive, understand and act across all operational domains, at a speed of relevance.”
His call to action suggests a Defence ecosystem that is not only responsive but predictive, harnessing the power of data-driven, multi-domain operations to address emerging threats.
The session concluded with a prestigious moment for Cingolani, who was awarded the Daniel and Florence Guggenheim Award from ICAS. This accolade recognizes his immense contribution to the Italian Aeronautical Industry and technological research, especially in materials science, nanotechnology, and automation.
Cingolani’s insights at the 34th ICAS Congress are a reminder of the fast-evolving Defence landscape, where new challenges require a fundamental rethink of both strategy and technology integration in a globally interconnected world.
