Leonardo’s LINAPS artillery pointing system has secured new contracts from the UK and Italian Ministries of Defence.
The Italian Army is set to receive 39 LINAPS systems, specifically designed to enhance the precision fire capabilities of their FH70 towed howitzers.
Meanwhile, the UK Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) organization has placed a support contract. This ensures the continued readiness of LINAPS systems currently deployed on the UK’s L118 light gun, guaranteeing optimal performance until its 2030 out-of-service date.
LINAPS is in-service with the Armed Forces of the UK, Italy, Poland, Canada, New Zealand, UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Malaysia, Thailand and India. The system has seen successful deployments in real-world operations like Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan.
The core of LINAPS’ success lies within the FIN3110/FIN3210 (variant dependent) module. This component delivers precise orientation and positioning data, allowing for accurate gun laying and navigation, ultimately leading to pinpoint firing accuracy. In future, data-generating sensors like the FIN3120 will form part of Leonardo’s wider approach to a more connected battlespace.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began his career at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet became central to defense research, he helped design the company’s Forecast Intelligence Center and now coordinates the FI Market Recap newsletters for clients. He also manages two blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, which covers defense systems and international security issues, and Flight Plan, focused on commercial aviation and space systems.
For more than 30 years, Richard has authored Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International), providing detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database tracking all companies involved in programs covered by the FI library. Richard currently serves as Manager of the Information Services Group (ISG), which develops outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
