Dual Use: context and strategies. A comparative Study of Airbus, Leonardo and Rheinmetall

In today’s geopolitical and industrial context, the integration of civilian and military technologies, commonly referred to as “dual-use”, is increasingly viewed not as a challenge, but as a strategic advantage. This thesis explores how European industries are leveraging the convenience of dual-use innovation to enhance competitiveness, efficiency, and resilience. Through a comparative analysis of three key players, Leonardo, Rheinmetall, and Airbus, the research examines how firms are aligning business models, R&D strategies, and public-private partnerships to respond to the dual imperatives of defense readiness and technological leadership. Particular attention is given to the joint venture Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), which serves as a case study of how shared platforms, cross-border collaboration, and modular design can deliver both industrial scale and national strategic control. Rather than treating dual-use as a byproduct of innovation, the thesis positions it as a deliberate industrial strategy, one that allows companies to optimize resource use, accelerate innovation cycles, and access broader markets. The analysis also highlights the importance of institutional alignment, especially within the evolving European Union framework aimed at reinforcing strategic autonomy. Ultimately, the work argues that dual-use approaches are not only technically feasible, but economically and politically advantageous, representing a key pathway for Europe’s future in both high-tech and defense sectors.