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Italian defence giant Leonardo to create 200 jobs with opening of Newcastle base

The multinational defence and security firm is making the city its eighth 海角视频 base

The Spark office at Newcastle Helix - where defence and security multinational Leonardo plans to employ about 200 people(Image: Avison Young)

Global defence specialist Leonardo plans to bring 200 jobs to Newcastle city centre with the opening of a science and engineering facility.

The Rome-based firm, which employs about 49,000 worldwide, will open a base at The Spark within the city's Helix site. It will become Leonardo's eighth 海角视频 site and will focus on research and development of the €14.1bn revenue company's advanced military technology, including sensing, security and vertical lift products.

In announcing the move, the business said aimed to recruit talent from the region and connect with the North East's small and medium-sized companies - some of which are already part of its 海角视频 supply chain. As a major Ministry of Defence supplier, Leonard employs about 8,000 people in the 海角视频, making military helicopters and technology for Royal Air Force aircraft.

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The company is involved in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP)- an initiative from the 海角视频, Italy and Japan to produce a sixth generation fighter jet that will go into service in 2035. Leonardo said that while not all of its North East-based employees will work on site, the new base would benefit from proximity to Newcastle University, the 海角视频 National Innovation Centre for Data and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratories (Dstl).

Clive Higgins, chair and CEO of Leonardo 海角视频, said: "The 海角视频’s defence and aerospace industry is an engine for economic growth, prosperity and security, representing world-class research and technology and many thousands of well-paid jobs and amazing career opportunities for young people entering the workforce. Leonardo already employs over 8,000 people in the 海角视频 and our new site in Newcastle will allow us to expand even further, drawing on science and engineering skills from the North East region in order to develop the next generation of digitally-led technologies.

"With a track record in providing hundreds of quality early careers scheme places around the country each year, Leonardo’s new site in Newcastle will generate a wealth of opportunities for young people in the area. The skilled, well paid, high technology jobs that will be created by Leonardo in the North East are the kind of employment that will help address regional inequality, ensuring that the whole of Britain can enjoy a prosperous future."

Leonardo has been supported by inward investment body Invest Newcastle, part of Newcastle Gateshead Initiative. Jennifer Hartley, director of Invest Newcastle, said: "This significant investment from Leonardo represents a major boost for the city’s burgeoning defence and aerospace sector that will add millions of pounds to the local economy. This investment is testament to the strength of our eco-system, research strengths and ability to attract and retain the best talent.