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Selex ES
Selex ES
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55°58′10″N 3°14′04″W / 55.96944°N 3.23444°W / 55.96944; -3.23444

Selex ES was a subsidiary of Finmeccanica,[2] active in the electronics and information technology business, based in Italy and the UK, and formed in January 2013, following Finmeccanica's decision to combine its existing SELEX Elsag and SELEX Sistemi Integrati businesses into SELEX Galileo, the immediate predecessor of Selex ES.[3] From 1 January 2016, the activities of Selex ES merged into Leonardo-Finmeccanica's Electronics, Defence and Security Systems Sector becoming Leonardo S.p.A.[4]

Key Information

Selex ES's activities had been organised in three Divisions within the sector: Airborne & Space Systems, Land and Naval Defence Electronics and Security and Information Systems.

History

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Predecessor companies

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In July 2003 Finmeccanica and BAE Systems signed a joint venture agreement [5] with the intention of merging their avionics, C4ISR and communications businesses to create three joint venture partnerships under the name Eurosystems. The difficulties of integrating the companies in this way however led to a re-evaluation of the proposal. BAE's 2004 Annual Report states that "recognising the complexity of the earlier proposed ... transaction with Finmeccanica we have moved to a simpler model."[6]

This revised agreement was signed on 27 January 2005. Finmeccanica and BAE announced the intention to dissolve their partnership in the Alenia Marconi Systems (AMS) joint venture with AMS' UK and Italian operations to be taken over by the respective partners.

On 3 May 2005 the Eurosystems Transaction was finalised with[7]

  • the whole of the avionics business of Finmeccanica and the majority of BAE Systems Avionics being brought together to form the new SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems (SELEX S&AS) joint venture held by shares of 75% and 25% respectively, with the option for Finmeccanica to later purchase the remaining 25%.
  • the UK operation of AMS (minus air traffic control and communication systems) being brought together with the C4ISR division of BAE Systems (minus communication systems) to form the new Integrated System Technologies division of BAE Systems, named BAE Systems Insyte.
  • the Italian operations of AMS being brought together with several other AMS companies to form SELEX Sistemi Integrati.
  • the communications systems portions of AMS and BAE Systems being sold to Selenia Communications, a division of Finmeccanica. Selenia was subsequently renamed SELEX Communications.

BAE Systems sold its 25% share of SELEX S&AS to Finmeccanica for €400 million in March 2007.[8]

From January 2008, SELEX S&AS Limited and its Italian counterpart Galileo Avionica S.p.A. began to operate under a common brand name, SELEX Galileo. In January 2010, the operating companies’ legal names were aligned to the brand, becoming SELEX Galileo Ltd and SELEX Galileo S.p.A. respectively. SELEX Sensors and Airborne Systems (US) Inc. became SELEX Galileo Inc.[9]

In 2009 SELEX Sistemi Integrati purchased Vega Group PLC, forming in the UK SELEX Systems Integration Ltd and Vega Consulting Services Ltd.

In 2011 SELEX Communications merged with Elsag Datamat to establish SELEX Elsag.

Merger of SELEX companies

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On 1 January 2013, SELEX Galileo became Selex ES when it merged with its sister companies SELEX Sistemi Integrati and SELEX Elsag.[10] The combined business had a global workforce of approximately 17,000, and total revenues in excess of €3.5 billion. Alongside its core domestic operations in Italy and the UK, the company has an established industrial and commercial footprint in the United States, Germany, Turkey, Romania, Brazil, Saudi Arabia and India.

Recent news

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In 2012 it was reported a previous Selex company had provided TETRA trunked radio network hardware to the Assad regime, and amid sanctions continued to expand the company's contract with the regime during the context of the Syrian Civil War.[11]

In August 2013, Selex ES provided an unarmed surveillance drone to the United Nations to be deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo to monitor movements of armed groups in the region and to protect the civilian population more effectively.[12]

In 2015, they secured a cybersecurity contract with NATO.[13]

In 2016, it secured a contract with Angola that will see equipment, replacement components and any associated services be provided to the nation's upcoming centers for maritime surveillance.[14]

Organisation

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Till 31 December 2015, the company was focused into three international divisions:[1]

  • The Air and Space Systems division included all airborne capabilities, technologies and products ranging from UAS and integrated mission systems to radar, electronic warfare equipment, avionics, simulation systems, target drones and space sensors, payloads and equipment.
  • The Land and Naval Systems division comprised capabilities in the land and naval domains from the design of complex system architectures to tactical integrated systems, naval combat management systems, land and naval radar and situational awareness sensors and military communications infrastructures.
  • The Security and Information Systems division covered network infrastructure and systems architecture capabilities for homeland protection and the complex urban environment as well as air and vessel traffic management.
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SELEX is a major supplier of avionics for the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Locations and activities

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At 31 December 2015, the Company employed 17,000 personnel with operations in the United Kingdom, Italy and throughout the world.

UK sites include:

Italian sites include:

International presence & subsidiaries

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  • Larimart – Italy
  • Selex Service Management – Italy
  • Sirio Panel – Italy
  • Sistemi Software Integrati – Italy
  • Selex ES Marine – UK
  • Selex ES Yacht Technologies – UK
  • Selex ES Australia
  • Selex ES Do Brazil
  • Tactical Technologies Inc - Canada
  • SELEX ES GmbH – Germany
  • Vega Deutschland GmbH – Germany
  • Selex ES India
  • ELETTRA Communications - Romania
  • Selex Galileo - Saudi Arabia
  • Selex ES Elektronik - Turkey
  • SELEX ES Inc – USA
  • SELEX GALILEO Inc – USA
  • Lasertel - USA
  • Sirio Panel - USA

Corporate social responsibility

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The company had a policy of sustainability and social responsibility and was involved in local charitable, educational and environmental initiatives across its global footprint.

The company's IGNITE in India programme is part of the wider International Graduate Network Integrated Through Experience. The programme allows graduates to develop entrepreneurial skills and transfer good business practice in developing countries. The programme's emphasis is on socially sustainable initiatives.

Selex ES ‘A. Tiezzi’ Museum of Science - Situated close to company's Campi Bisenzio site near Florence: the museum now managed by Finmeccanica, takes visitors on a journey through the story of Italian radar, to the latest electronic devices. It features space technology, avionics equipment, meters and didactic instruments all of which demonstrate the value of over 100 years of continuous research dedicated to science and technology.

The company had also opened the Museo del Radar in recognition of the part radar manufacturing enterprises has played our industrial age. The Radar Museum, now managed by Finmeccanica, the first created by a company in Europe, is founded on the principles of reclaiming, reorganising and keeping alive the history of radar manufacturing, which began in Italy over 60 years ago at the company's Fusaro site (Naples).

In the UK Selex ES sponsored the Combined Services Disabled Ski Team (CSDST), which enables members to pursue the sport and help rehabilitate those who have suffered a serious injury. It is hoped that some CSDST members may represent Great Britain in the 2018 Winter Paralympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea. To date, the company has raised over £80,000 for CSDST through several fundraising activities.

See also

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References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Selex ES was a multinational electronics and information technology company headquartered in Rome, Italy, specializing in radar systems, avionics, surveillance technologies, and secure communications for defense, aerospace, and security applications. Formed on 1 January 2013 through the merger of Selex Galileo, Selex Elsag, and Selex Sistemi Integrati under Finmeccanica (later rebranded Leonardo S.p.A.), it integrated capabilities in electro-optics, command and control, and mission systems to serve military, government, and civil sectors worldwide. In 2016, Selex ES's operations were fully absorbed into Leonardo's Electronics, Defence and Security Systems division, marking the end of its independent structure while its technologies continued to underpin key platforms. The company developed critical components such as the radar for the combat aircraft, enhancing multi-role fighter capabilities with advanced detection and tracking. It also produced the RAT-31/DL fixed air defense radar, deployed for and tracking programs to monitor orbital and satellites. Notable achievements included the Falco unmanned aerial system, which supported operations for intelligence, , and reconnaissance missions, demonstrating endurance and automated operations from austere environments. Selex ES further advanced imaging seekers for guided weapons and integrated solutions for naval combat management, contributing to operational superiority across air, land, and sea domains. Selex ES's portfolio extended to systems, critical communications via TETRA and LTE technologies, and cyber-physical security for , with deployments in over 50 countries for public safety and emergency response. Its emphasis on in-house enabled reliable, interoperable solutions, though the defense sector's inherent complexities, including controls and integration challenges, shaped its strategic focus on high-performance, mission-critical hardware.

History

Predecessor Companies

Selex Galileo originated from the 2005 restructuring of Finmeccanica's defense electronics portfolio, specifically through the acquisition and integration of Italian operations from the , established in 1998 between Finmeccanica's Alenia SpA and ' division. This had consolidated , electro-optical, and technologies developed amid post-Cold War defense industry consolidations in , including UK privatizations of and Italian state-owned entities transitioning to competitive markets. Selex Galileo thus inherited lineages from Italian firms like Selenia (specializing in since the 1960s) and cross-border UK-Italy collaborations aimed at NATO-compatible systems. Selex Sistemi Integrati was established via mid-2000s mergers under Finmeccanica, culminating in integrations around 2007 that absorbed command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) units previously linked to Alenia and other subsidiaries. These efforts reflected broader European defense adaptations to reduced national budgets post-Cold War, emphasizing multinational partnerships for integrated battle management systems tied to and interoperability requirements, with roots in 1990s bilateral UK-Italy projects following the privatization of key assets. Selex Communications focused on secure hardware and software, evolving from Finmeccanica's convergence of telecom activities in the early , including military-grade and networked systems derived from Marconi's legacy in tactical radios and links. This entity supported post-1990s restructuring by providing resilient communication backbones for joint operations, leveraging Italian-UK technical exchanges in encrypted voice and data for alliance frameworks, without direct ties to broader but complementary to in defense electronics.

Formation Through Mergers

Selex ES was established on January 1, 2013, through the merger of Finmeccanica's electronics subsidiaries SELEX Galileo, SELEX Elsag, and SELEX Sistemi Integrati, consolidating their operations into a single entity focused on defense and security electronics. The merger was announced on October 30, 2012, as part of Finmeccanica's broader industrial reorganization to integrate overlapping capabilities in , communication, and systems. were established in , , with significant operational sites retained in the , including , to leverage existing expertise in airborne and ground-based technologies. The consolidation aimed to streamline operations by eliminating redundancies across the predecessor entities, enabling more efficient resource allocation for in high-value areas such as (AESA) radars. This restructuring responded to intensifying global competition from U.S. and Israeli firms, coupled with downward pressures on defense budgets in and the U.S., which necessitated cost reductions and enhanced integration to maintain technological edges in export markets. Finmeccanica's relaunch plan for the new entity included agreed-upon workforce adjustments, with approximately 350 positions at risk initially, to reposition Selex ES for greater agility in securing international contracts. At formation, Selex ES employed around 17,000 personnel across its international footprint and generated annual revenues exceeding €3 billion, primarily from electronics systems for military platforms like the . This scale positioned the company to compete more effectively against dominant players by pooling R&D efforts and standardizing product lines, though early challenges included integrating disparate corporate cultures and addressing Finmeccanica's group-wide financial strains.

Integration into Leonardo S.p.A.

On January 1, 2016, Selex ES's activities were fully absorbed into the Electronics, Defence and Security Systems sector of Leonardo-Finmeccanica, as part of a broader corporate to create a unified "One Company" structure aimed at eliminating redundancies and enhancing operational integration across Finmeccanica's subsidiaries. This move followed Finmeccanica's announcement in March 2016 of its rebranding to Leonardo, intended to distance the firm from prior corruption scandals—including high-profile bribery allegations in involving helicopter contracts that led to executive arrests in 2013—and restore market confidence through a cleaner corporate identity. The rebrand operated under Leonardo-Finmeccanica until December 31, 2016, before fully transitioning to Leonardo S.p.A. on January 1, 2017, amid ongoing scrutiny from legacy scandals that potentially disrupted client relationships and procurement processes during the transition period. Despite the full absorption, Selex ES branding was retained in select international niches, such as the U.S. operations under Selex ES Inc., where it continued as a Leonardo to leverage established market recognition and FAA certifications until its divestiture in 2023. Core assets, including and technologies, were transferred and integrated into Leonardo's broader divisions, enabling centralized management of and defence portfolios while preserving specialized capabilities. This asset reallocation supported continuity in ongoing programs, such as systems, without reported major disruptions to production lines. The integration yielded streamlined operations by reducing administrative overlaps and unifying supply chains under Leonardo's structure, contributing to an order backlog that covered over 2.5 years of production by September 2016 and subsequently grew to €35.5 billion, indicating preserved demand for Selex-derived technologies. However, short-term costs likely arose from reorganization efforts, including personnel transitions and system harmonization, though these were offset by long-term efficiency gains in a sector where pre-integration fragmentation had hindered agility. Empirical evidence from Leonardo's post-merger financials shows no erosion of Selex-related backlogs, underscoring the causal benefit of consolidation in maintaining revenue visibility amid the rebranding's reputational challenges.

Post-Integration Developments

Following the 2016 integration of Selex ES into Leonardo S.p.A.'s Electronics, Defence and Systems Sector, the entity's operations underwent strategic realignments to enhance focus on core competencies in , , and cyber technologies. In November 2022, Leonardo signed an agreement to divest the () business unit of its wholly owned U.S. , Selex ES Inc., to Indra Air Traffic for an undisclosed amount, with the transaction completing on May 1, 2023; this sale targeted non-core radio aids and systems while retaining Leonardo's primary defense portfolio. By 2024, the remaining U.S. operations rebranded from Selex ES Inc. to Leonardo US Cyber and Security Solutions, Inc., aligning with Leonardo's emphasis on integrated cyber and offerings, including patented electronic signature tracking systems for . Selex ES-derived technologies continued to underpin Leonardo's broader strategic initiatives, notably within the company's 2024-2028 Industrial Plan, which projects cumulative orders of €105 billion and double-digit growth in the Electronics Division—encompassing legacy Selex and capabilities—with expected annual increases of 6% in orders, 8.5% in revenues, and 13% in EBITA. These systems have sustained relevance in space surveillance, where Selex ES , such as the RAT 31DL long-range model, serve as key contributors to the European Union's Space Surveillance and Tracking (SST) program, aggregating data from multiple nations to monitor orbital and predict collisions in coordination with the (ESA). As of 2025, legacy Selex ES platforms remain deployed in operational contexts, including mini-UAV systems like the ASIO-B (a vertical take-off drone) and SPYBALL-B (a micro-rotary-wing ISR vehicle), which underwent factory acceptance tests and entered service for networked enabled capabilities (Forza NEC) programs, demonstrating enduring tactical utility in ground force . technologies originating from Selex ES have also supported export-oriented contracts, such as advanced targeting lasers for international F-35 integrations, reinforcing Leonardo's position in directed-energy applications amid ongoing global defense demands.

Corporate Organization

Governance and Leadership

Selex ES, prior to its full integration into Leonardo S.p.A. in 2016, maintained a under Finmeccanica with a board linking Italian industrial interests to UK-based operations, led by Fabrizio Giulianini from its 2013 formation through the merger of entities like Selex Galileo and Selex Elsag. Allan Cook served as Executive Chairman during this period, focusing on business restructuring amid competitive defense markets. Post-integration, decision-making authority resides with and executives, including CEO Roberto Cingolani since 2021, who enforce divisional accountability via metrics such as order intake growth and delivery timelines for and contracts, rather than relying solely on internal assurances. The company's dual-headquarters in , , and , , reflect its cross-border structure, requiring adherence to Italian export licensing under Law 185/1990 and regulations via the Export Control Joint Unit, equivalents to U.S. ITAR and for dual-use technologies, to prevent unauthorized proliferation of systems. This setup demands board-level coordination to balance priorities with commercial viability, evidenced by Leonardo's oversight of Selex-derived units in compliance audits. Finmeccanica's 2010s scandals, including bribery allegations in Selex Sistemi Integrati's €100 million radar contract leading to its suspension and probes into slush funds for Italian air traffic deals, highlighted oversight deficiencies tied to executive incentives favoring deal volume over ethical . These events, resulting in arrests like that of communications director Lorenzo Borgogni for alleged Selex-related graft, compelled Leonardo's governance reforms, including a dedicated Surveillance Body and mandatory internal controls under Italian Legislative Decree 231/2001, shifting emphasis to empirical risk assessments and performance-linked remuneration to curb recurrence.

Operational Divisions

Selex ES structured its operations around three primary divisions upon its formation effective January 1, 2013, each tailored to specific markets and customer requirements, supported by two main operating companies in Italy and the United Kingdom under unified transnational management. These divisions focused on core areas such as sensors and electronics, systems integration for command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities, and secure communications. The company maintained approximately 17,000 employees, with roughly 12,000 based in Italy and 5,000 in the United Kingdom, alongside a presence in the United States through subsidiaries and joint operations. Prior to full integration into Leonardo S.p.A. in 2016, Selex ES operated semi-autonomous R&D centers to drive specialized innovation, including a technology facility in , , employing over 1,900 personnel at the Crewe Toll site. Post-merger, its divisions aligned with Leonardo's sector, emphasizing sensors, integrated systems, and communication technologies to leverage shared industrial capabilities across defense and domains. Integration efforts yielded operational efficiencies through resource consolidation and reduced redundancies, though they encountered challenges including site rationalizations in the United States and during the early . For instance, in , Selex ES established a unified German entity incorporating about 200 employees and €60 million in turnover to streamline its European footprint and enhance responsiveness. Such measures supported cost containment amid merger-driven synergies, despite transitional disruptions in workforce relocation and process .

Core Technologies and Products

Radar and Sensor Systems

Selex ES developed a range of (AESA) radars optimized for airborne and ground-based applications, emphasizing multi-mode functionality for simultaneous air and surface surveillance. The series represents a key lightweight AESA platform, with variants such as the Osprey 30 and Osprey 50 providing low size, weight, and power (SWaP) configurations suitable for unmanned aerial vehicles and manned rotary-wing . These systems support modes including (SAR) mapping, inverse SAR (ISAR) for target classification, and (MTI), enabling detection of small, fast-moving threats at extended ranges in cluttered environments. Configurations employing up to four fixed antenna faces deliver persistent 360-degree azimuthal coverage without mechanical scanning, reducing vulnerability to mechanical failure and improving response times for threat identification. For helicopter platforms, Selex ES offered scalable AESA solutions within its family of intercept and radars, such as the Vixen 500E, a compact X-band system designed for integration on rotary-wing assets to provide capabilities and enhanced . These radars facilitate rapid threat detection and fire control data for air-to-surface and air-to-air missions, with empirical performance demonstrating reliable operation in high-vibration environments typical of helicopters. Ground-based variants, like the RAT-31DL L-band AESA, extend this portfolio to deployable air defense roles, achieving detection ranges exceeding 500 kilometers for and tracking. A core technological advancement involved the integration of (GaN) semiconductor modules in transmit-receive elements, supplanting (GaAs) for superior power handling and . GaN's wider bandgap (approximately 3.4 eV) enables higher operating voltages and electron velocities, yielding up to twofold increases in per unit area compared to GaAs, which directly enhances signal-to-noise ratios in the radar range equation—prolonging effective detection ranges against low-observable targets while minimizing array size. This causal edge in efficiency supports extended operational endurance without increased cooling demands, as validated in Selex ES's 0.25 μm gate-length GaN devices qualified for defense applications. Post-2013 formation, developments such as the Gabbiano TS-80 PLUS ultra-light AESA, introduced in 2014, incorporated these materials for improved on fixed- and rotary-wing platforms, targeting markets with solid-state reliability over legacy mechanical systems.

Surveillance and Self-Protection Systems

Selex ES specializes in electronic warfare (EW) self-protection systems designed to detect, identify, and neutralize threats such as -guided and radar-guided weapons, integrating (IR) and (UV) sensors for warning with jamming and dispensers. These systems emphasize modular architectures for platform-specific adaptations, providing real-time threat assessment and countermeasures to enhance survivability against asymmetric threats like man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS). The Miysis Directed Countermeasures (DIRCM) system, introduced by Selex ES in , employs a -based approach to protect by tracking inbound missiles via gimbaled sensors and directing modulated laser energy to disrupt the seeker's guidance. It integrates with existing missile approach warners (MAW) using IR/UV detection for rapid threat localization, offering a compact, lightweight solution suitable for fast jets and helicopters, with demonstrations highlighting its efficacy in neutralizing multiple simultaneous threats through precise beam modulation. For fixed-wing platforms like the , Selex ES supplies the Praetorian Defensive Aids Sub-System (DASS), an integrated suite comprising radar warning receivers, missile warners, laser detectors, and countermeasures dispensers, upgraded in contracts such as the 2010 £400 million deal for Typhoons and a 2021 provision for Arabian operators. Praetorian enables automatic or pilot-initiated responses, including /flare dispensation and RF jamming, with deployments across member states' fleets demonstrating operational reliability in contested environments. In rotary-wing applications, the HIDAS (Helicopter Integrated Defensive Aids Suite) provides a software-driven, plug-and-play framework for threat detection and evasion, incorporating digital radio frequency memory (DRFM) jammers like BriteCloud expendables for deceptive electronic countermeasures against radar threats. Selex ES also supported RF jamming pods for GR4 aircraft in 2014, extending self-protection capabilities through mid-life upgrades. Surveillance elements within self-protection systems include for enhanced , as tested in programs like Forza NEC, where Selex ES's mini-UAVs such as ASIO-B and SPYBALL-B underwent factory acceptance tests in July 2014, integrating ISR payloads for relay to ground forces, validating sensor-driven threat detection in networked operations. These deployments underscore Selex ES's role in NATO-aligned forces, with systems operational on platforms serving , the , and other allies since the early .

Air Traffic Management Solutions

Selex ES developed and supplied Communications, , and / (CNS/) systems designed for en-route, approach, and terminal , including scalable solutions for integrated operations. These systems incorporated high-performance , secure communications, and aids to enhance and safety in management. The company's portfolio emphasized installations, with deployments supporting over 110 air traffic systems globally prior to the divestiture of certain assets. A key component involved surface movement technologies, such as advanced -based systems to monitor and positions on aprons and runways, aimed at preventing incursions and collisions. In September 2020, Selex ES introduced enhanced surface management tools integrating multilateration and data for real-time tracking, certified for compatibility with international standards to reduce ground risks. Additionally, the firm upgraded S-band radars in the UK to mitigate interference from mobile networks, completing remediation for multiple radar types by protecting primary surveillance capabilities essential for safe separation. In the United States, Selex ES Inc., headquartered in , specialized in ATM solutions including non-directional beacons, s, and land mobile radio networks for airport communications, holding FAA certifications for Category I, II, and III precision approaches. These operations focused on CNS infrastructure for , with products like the Model 2100 supporting military and commercial airports. However, in November 2022, Leonardo announced the sale of Selex ES Inc.'s ATM business unit to Air Traffic for market expansion, with the transaction completing in May 2023, transferring U.S.-based navaids and related activities. Selex ES's ATM technologies drew from its defense radar expertise, enabling dual-use applications where military-grade surveillance adapted for civilian air ops, such as in integrated systems for emerging airports in regions like , where full CNS/ATM turnkey solutions were provided for facilities including . Certifications from bodies like the (EASA) and FAA validated interoperability with global ATM frameworks, prioritizing reliability in high-density traffic environments.

Unmanned and Advanced Systems

Selex ES developed the ASIO-B, a fully automatic electrical vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) mini weighing up to 20 kilograms, designed for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) roles including monitoring and . The ASIO-B, alongside the SPYBALL-B micro UAV, underwent factory acceptance tests in July 2014 as part of the Italian Army's programme, confirming operational readiness for deployment in tactical environments. The SPYBALL-B, a micro-electrical rotary-wing UAV weighing up to 2 kilograms, features fan-ducted propulsion for VTOL and hovering, with a flight speed of 28.8 kilometers per hour, enabling man-portable ISR operations for short-range tactical . These systems emphasize compact, autonomous flight profiles to support ground forces in denied-access scenarios, with test data validating endurance and integration for electro-optical sensors. In advanced directed-energy technologies, Selex ES's facility achieved significant orders in 2014 for systems, including high-power effectors and targeting modules suitable for integration into unmanned platforms for precision engagement and applications. These leverage solid-state architectures for reliability in airborne environments, with successes reflecting validated performance in international trials for directed countermeasures and illumination. Selex ES advanced ISR autonomy through systems like SkyISTAR, a mission management platform for unmanned air systems that incorporates selectable levels to process , reduce operator workload, and enable real-time threat assessment in networked operations. This innovation supports collaborative UAV missions by fusing multi- inputs for automated target recognition, grounded in simulations and field tests demonstrating improved decision cycles over manual controls. For , Selex ES contributed long-range radars such as the RAT-31DL to (ESA)-aligned efforts, with experimental tests in the 2010s confirming the system's ability to detect and track objects at extended ranges, providing orbital data for collision avoidance. These ground-based assets integrate phased-array scanning for persistent , with test results validating accuracy in cataloguing low-earth orbit objects down to small debris sizes. Following integration into Leonardo S.p.A. in 2016, Selex ES-derived UAV technologies, including ISR payloads and autonomy modules, have been incorporated into Leonardo's broader drone ecosystem, such as enhancements to the Falco series for extended endurance missions in the 2020s. This evolution maintains focus on hybrid propulsion and , with ongoing adaptations tested for multi-domain operations.

Key Achievements and Applications

Military and Defense Contributions


Selex ES has played a pivotal role in enhancing military air superiority through its advanced radar and sensor systems, particularly for the , where it supplies approximately 60% of the defense electronics, including the Captor-E (AESA) radar. In November 2014, the Eurofighter consortium, led by Selex ES as part of the Euroradar effort, secured a €1 billion development contract for the Captor-E, with Selex ES receiving around $502 million to advance this mechanically scanned AESA technology, enabling superior detection ranges, jamming resistance, and multi-target tracking in contested airspace. These systems contribute to empirical advantages in beyond-visual-range engagements, supporting deterrence by providing pilots with enhanced and lethality over legacy radars.
In ground and unmanned domains, Selex ES supported the Italian Army's Forza NEC program with mini and micro UAVs like the ASIO-B and SPYBALL-B, which completed factory acceptance tests in 2014 and were delivered for operational testing, enabling persistent tactical surveillance and reconnaissance in complex terrains. The company's Falco tactical UAV further bolsters army capabilities for medium-altitude, long-endurance missions, with tests in the demonstrating integration for real-time intelligence in joint operations. For space domain awareness, Selex ES's RAT-31 DL radars have been validated for tracking orbital debris, collaborating with facilities to identify and monitor space objects, thereby mitigating collision risks for military satellites in increasingly cluttered orbits. Exports underscore Selex ES's role in NATO interoperability and allied deterrence, including a 2014 €12 million via 's NSPA to upgrade RAT-31 air defense radars in , enhancing long-range surveillance against aerial threats. Deliveries to encompass Praetorian defensive aids suites for aircraft under a 2021 , integrating towed decoys and jammers for survivability in high-threat environments, while broadening for regional . These contributions, totaling billions in radar orders, fortify defense postures by prioritizing proven, high-fidelity sensors that outperform adversaries in electronic warfare scenarios.

Aerospace and Security Innovations

Selex ES developed scalable () systems, including en-route and approach control centers, designed to enhance operational efficiency at global airports by integrating primary and secondary radars with advanced processing capabilities. These solutions incorporated upgrades to S-band radars, such as those implemented in the UK to mitigate interference from networks, ensuring uninterrupted and reducing potential disruptions to air traffic flow. In , the company launched surface management technologies aimed at preventing incursions, utilizing real-time to improve metrics without reliance on military-grade hardware. In security applications, Selex ES provided systems for civil law enforcement and event protection, including deployable portable radio terminals that enabled encrypted voice links between operators and integration with public networks. These systems supported cyber-secure infrastructures tailored for environments, incorporating to safeguard operations against unauthorized access. Dual-use advancements extended to radars with algorithms for discrimination, as detailed in a 2015 assigned to Selex ES Ltd, which improved target verification in cluttered environments, achieving higher accuracy in distinguishing genuine threats from environmental noise in non-combat scenarios. The company's heritage, spanning over 50 years from early monopulse systems entering service in 1960, informed civil innovations like mobile Automated (AFIS) units transportable by C-130J , enabling rapid deployment for remote aerodromes with minimal setup time. In 2014, Selex ES's Edinburgh-based division recorded significant export orders for advanced technologies, contributing to precision sensing applications with efficiency gains in detection range and power management suitable for aerospace security tasks. These developments emphasized causal improvements in , yielding measurable reductions in operational false positives for dual-use .

International Contracts and Deployments

Selex ES secured contracts for its LINAPS inertial artillery pointing systems with the armed forces of and the in 2013, enabling precise targeting capabilities for operations. Similar LINAPS deliveries were made to additional international customers that year, supporting modernization efforts in diverse operational environments. In the Middle East, Selex ES fulfilled a 2013 contract to supply Falco tactical unmanned aerial vehicles to an undisclosed customer, enhancing reconnaissance and surveillance missions. The Falco system was subsequently deployed in support of peacekeeping operations in the of Congo, providing real-time aerial intelligence for stabilization efforts. Earlier radar technology transfers to , via contracts signed in 2011 with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, included SELEX systems for advanced detection, laying groundwork for regional defense integrations. European deployments included a 2014 air defense system supplied to the Austrian , featuring mobile, vehicle-transportable units for rapid terrain deployment and threat monitoring. In , a multi-million contract awarded in 2014 provided HALO acoustic weapon-locating systems to a Far Eastern nation, improving counter-battery capabilities through sound-based detection. These exports, governed by regimes, facilitated technology offsets and local production in select partners like UAE-based Tawazun Precision Industries for components. Selex ES systems have been operationally integrated in over 20 countries, contributing to Leonardo's international revenue streams exceeding 60% from exports by the mid-2010s.

Criticisms and Challenges

Operational and Integration Issues

The formation of Selex ES in 2013 through the merger of Selex Galileo, Selex Elsag, and Selex Sistemi Integrati under Finmeccanica addressed pre-existing inefficiencies in the fragmented structure of these entities, which had duplicated functions and hindered competitiveness in defense electronics markets. However, the consolidation process revealed significant operational redundancies, prompting plans to close 25 across and the while eliminating approximately 2,529 positions by the end of 2014. These measures built on prior workforce reductions of 650 jobs in from the predecessor companies, reflecting the causal trade-offs of achieving scale economies amid declining defense budgets and intensified global rivalry. Integration efforts during 2013–2016 involved negotiated restructuring agreements with trade unions to streamline operations into three core divisions—Air and Space Systems, Land and Naval Systems, and Security and Smart Systems—aimed at enhancing profitability and organizational optimization. Despite these steps, the disruptions contributed to temporary delays in product development focus and elevated short-term costs, as redundancies necessitated reallocating resources from legacy operations to unified platforms. By mid-2013, a relaunch plan was formalized to reposition the entity competitively, underscoring the empirical reality that merger synergies often entail upfront human and infrastructural sacrifices for long-term viability in capital-intensive sectors. Following the 2016 rebranding of Finmeccanica to Leonardo S.p.A., Selex ES's activities were fully absorbed into the parent company's Electronics, Defence and Security Systems division, shifting from a subsidiary model to an integrated structure to foster cross-divisional synergies and operational flexibility. This transition involved further asset reallocations, including the 2022 divestiture of Selex ES Inc.'s U.S. air traffic management business to Indra Sistemas, which refocused resources on core defense priorities but temporarily disrupted specialized workflows and required internal realignments. Such moves highlight persistent integration challenges in balancing divisional autonomy with corporate-wide efficiencies, where empirical data from restructuring phases indicate that while cost savings materialize over time, they often coincide with transitional productivity dips in high-tech R&D environments.

Ethical and Geopolitical Concerns

In the , Selex ES faced indirect scrutiny from investigations tied to its parent company Finmeccanica (now Leonardo), including probes into in international deals. A notable case involved a 2013 radar contract with valued at approximately $200 million, which was canceled in February 2016 after the Panamanian alleged and failure to meet technical specifications, prompting demands for refunds and equipment return. While no criminal convictions directly implicated Selex ES executives in this instance, the episode highlighted risks in contracts and led to heightened internal compliance measures, such as adoption of an anti- code emphasizing for illicit payments. Critics, including advocacy groups, have raised ethical concerns over Selex ES's role in arms exports, arguing that sales of and sensor technologies could enable abuses or contribute to regional instability in non-Western states. For example, in 2015, the Scottish protested Selex ES's sponsorship of the International Science Festival, accusing the firm of "profiting from death" due to perceived links with Israeli military applications, though Selex ES withdrew the sponsorship amid backlash. Such criticisms frame defense electronics as fueling proliferation risks, yet Selex ES has maintained that all exports adhere strictly to Italian, , and regulations, including end-user certificates to prevent diversion. Geopolitically, Selex ES systems have supported alliance-based deterrence, such as radars integrated into platforms like the , which enhance defensive postures against aggression without evidence of direct proliferation to adversaries. In peacekeeping contexts, drones deployed by the UN Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo () since 2013 have provided real-time surveillance to monitor armed groups, demonstrating empirical utility in conflict de-escalation despite local distrust of foreign tech. These applications underscore how advanced, compliant exports can bolster stability by enabling precise monitoring and reducing reliance on ground forces, countering narratives that prioritize pacifist restrictions over verifiable security gains.

Global Footprint

Facilities and Activities

Selex ES operated its primary headquarters in , , at Piazza Monte Grappa 4, serving as the central hub for strategic oversight, R&D coordination, and integration of defense electronics activities across land, air, naval, and civil domains. The facility supported core functions including for , communication, and electro-optic technologies, with manufacturing and testing capabilities tailored to high-reliability and security applications. In the , key sites included the facility in , which functioned as the UK head office and focused on , management, land systems, and R&D and production. The site specialized in airborne development, systems manufacturing, and advanced , leveraging a heritage of innovation dating to the mid-20th century. These locations conducted intensive R&D, with manufacturing processes emphasizing precision components for and applications. The presence centered on the Overland Park, , facility at 11300 West 89th Street, dedicated to solutions, including the design, manufacturing, and deployment of ground-based radio navigation and landing aids such as instrument landing systems. In , operations were consolidated in 2014 under Selex ES GmbH, streamlining R&D and production activities previously dispersed across multiple sites to enhance efficiency in electronics for defense and security systems. Prior to its 2016 merger into Leonardo S.p.A., Selex ES employed approximately 17,000 personnel across its European and U.S. facilities, supporting comprehensive R&D and manufacturing in critical technologies like gallium nitride-based components for radar and electronic warfare. Post-merger, these sites retained specialized functions within Leonardo's electronics division, preserving legacy capabilities in niche areas such as laser directed energy and integrated sensor systems while aligning with broader corporate manufacturing standards.

Subsidiaries and Partnerships

Selex ES maintained a wholly owned in the , Selex ES Inc., which focused on defense electronics, , and security solutions until its in 2024 to Leonardo US Cyber and Security Solutions, Inc., aligning with broader Leonardo group synergies in cyber and security technologies. This entity supported market access and local compliance in U.S. defense contracts, facilitating and integration with American partners for enhanced operational capabilities. Internationally, Selex ES established subsidiaries and operational presences in key markets including (via Selex ES Elektronik Turkey, operational since the 1990s for secure communications and electronic warfare production), , , , and , enabling localized manufacturing, maintenance, and adaptation of systems to regional defense needs. These footholds, expanded through consolidations within the Leonardo framework, promoted technology diffusion by combining European expertise with local industrial capacities, fostering competition and export growth in high-demand sectors like and . In partnerships, Selex ES collaborated with Turkish firm Foundations Companies to bolster its in-country presence, granting Turkish entities access to international high-tech markets while leveraging Selex ES's for joint development in defense systems, a strategy active for over 30 years in to drive mutual technological advancement and offset production. Similar alliances in involved headquarters consolidation for deeper integration into local security projects, emphasizing causal links between foreign investment and indigenous capability building without core facility overlaps.

References

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