Leonardo partners with Alkeon for Danish 76mm naval gun

Leonardo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Danish investment platform Alkeon. The agreement creates a framework for the in-country assembly and production of Leonardo's 76/62 mm Super Rapid naval gun system in Denmark.

This partnership marks the first major industrial collaboration for Alkeon. The defense-focused platform was established to develop Danish domestic capabilities in areas like weapon systems and ammunition production. By localizing production of the widely-used 76mm gun, the initiative seeks to bolster Denmark's security of supply and industrial resilience.

The move could also sharpen Leonardo's competitive edge in the naval sector. It positions the company against alternatives like the BAE Systems Bofors 57mm gun system, which is common in Northern European fleets. More than 60 navies globally use the 76/62 mm SR mount.

Local Supply Chain Integration

The collaboration is designed to weave Danish industry into Leonardo's international supply chain. Specialized subcontractors, engineering firms, and manufacturing companies will have opportunities to support production of the gun system.

The naval gun is capable of integrating both conventional and guided ammunition, including the Vulcano family. Alkeon plans to leverage industrial platforms within its parent network, Bagger-Sørensen Equity. These include the Baso Group, Daeda, Motus, and the Grene Group to meet defense sector requirements.

Strategic Objectives

Project stakeholders state the agreement aims to foster skilled job creation and secure industrial investments. It also seeks to increase Danish participation in national and international defense programs.

Ole Kastrup Bridal is the Investment Director at Bagger-Sørensen Equity and Chairman of the Board at Alkeon. "Today, building industrial capacity is just as strategically important as procuring defence equipment," he said. Bridal argued that local production capabilities strengthen Denmark's security of supply and create long-term value.

Leonardo stated the partnership aligns with its business model of encouraging industrial return and local content. The company emphasized working under secure, long-term conditions.

Future Regional Role

Luca Perazzo is the Deputy Managing Director of the Defence Systems Business Area at Leonardo. "This partnership reflects our shared ambition to strengthen industrial cooperation in Denmark," Perazzo stated. He said the goal with Alkeon is to develop capabilities that support future defence programmes while strengthening resilience and customer support.

Subject to future program volumes and conditions, the framework could position Denmark as a regional center of excellence for the 76/62 mm SR gun mount. The partnership represents a strategic industrial investment for both the Danish defense sector and Leonardo's global operations.