Leonardo Rejects Claims Of Supplying Naval Guns To Myanmar

Leonardo, the Italian defense and aerospace company, has categorically denied allegations of supplying OTO Melara 76/62 naval guns to the Myanmar Navy, describing the reports as entirely unfounded.

Media outlets, including Il Manifesto, Asian Defence Journal, and Janes, had claimed the company was involved in arms transfers to Myanmar, a country subject to strict international sanctions.

In an official statement, Leonardo asserted that it has never engaged in the sale of OTO Melara 76/62 guns to the Myanmar Armed Forces, either directly or indirectly, including the period prior to Italy's 1996 arms embargo and the enactment of the stringent export control law known as Legge 185/90.

The company clarified that all arms sales contracts are subject to Italian government oversight, requiring End User Certificates to ensure compliance with export laws. These measures are designed to prevent the misuse of Italian defense technologies and ensure that sales align with national and international regulations.

Leonardo also addressed its partnership with Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), which holds a license to produce the OTO Melara 76/62 naval gun. The company emphasized that the agreement strictly prohibits BHEL from exporting the weapon without prior authorization from Leonardo and the Italian government.

BHEL corroborated Leonardo’s statement, issuing an official communication on 9 January, confirming that it has never supplied or exported the OTO Melara 76/62 gun to the Myanmar Navy.

Myanmar is included on Leonardo’s list of sensitive countries, where any transaction, including those involving civilian goods, undergoes a rigorous assessment. The company highlighted its commitment to adhering to global sanctions and export control laws through its Trade Compliance policies and continuously updated internal compliance programs.

Leonardo stated that it reserves the right to take legal action against entities or individuals spreading baseless allegations. The company underscored its commitment to defending its reputation and maintaining transparency in its operations.

The Europeon Union has imposed sanctions on Myanmar over human rights violations and military coups, including an arms embargo, restrictions on dual-use goods, communication monitoring equipment, and military training. In 2012, some sanctions were suspended, but the arms embargo remained and has been extended annually since 2013. In 2018, the EU expanded measures to include bans on military-related exports and cooperation. The arms embargo is effective until 30 April 2025.