Leonardo has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Alkeon, a defense-focused investment platform under Bagger-Sørensen Equity. The agreement establishes a framework for in-country assembly and production of Leonardo’s 76/62 mm Super Rapid (SR) naval gun system in Denmark.
The partnership represents the first major industrial collaboration for Alkeon, which was established to develop Danish domestic capabilities in weapon systems, ammunition production, drones, and logistics. By securing a Danish footprint for the 76/62 mm SR mount—a main caliber naval gun system currently utilized by more than 60 navies worldwide—the initiative seeks to strengthen local security of supply and industrial resilience.
This localized manufacturing footprint could also strengthen Leonardo’s competitive positioning against alternative offerings in the naval sector, such as BAE Systems Bofors and its 57mm gun system which is widely used in Northern Europe.
Local Supply Chain Integration
The collaboration is designed to integrate Danish industry into Leonardo’s international value chain. Specialized subcontractors, engineering firms, and manufacturing companies will have opportunities to support the production of the naval gun system, which is capable of integrating both conventional and guided ammunition, including the Vulcano family.
Alkeon intends to draw upon industrial platforms within the Bagger-Sørensen network, such as the Baso Group, Daeda, Motus, and the Grene Group, to support the requirements of the defense sector.
Strategic Objectives and Regional Potential
According to project stakeholders, the agreement aims to foster skilled job creation, secure industrial investments, and increase Danish participation in national and international defense programs.
“Today, building industrial capacity is just as strategically important as procuring defence equipment. Capabilities in assembly, integration, and local production strengthen Denmark’s security of supply and create long-term value for both Danish industry and European defence,” said Ole Kastrup Bridal, Investment Director at Bagger-Sørensen Equity and Chairman of the Board at Alkeon.
Leonardo noted that the partnership aligns with its business model of encouraging industrial return and local content under secure long-term conditions.
“This partnership reflects our shared ambition to strengthen industrial cooperation in Denmark. Together with Alkeon, we aim to develop capabilities that support future defence programmes while strengthening industrial resilience, customer support and long-term security of supply,” stated Luca Perazzo, Deputy Managing Director Defence Systems Business Area at Leonardo.
Subject to future program volumes and conditions, the framework could potentially position Denmark as a regional center of excellence for the 76/62 mm SR gun mount.
