Boulder, Colorado-based Radia and Italy's Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy (MIMIT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support development of WindRunner and explore potential industrial opportunities in Italy.

WindRunner is being developed as the world's largest aircraft, capable of carrying oversized cargo directly to locations beyond the reach of conventional logistics networks. The programme aims to reduce transport timelines from months to days or even hours for defence, energy, aerospace and industrial manufacturing customers.

Its ability to operate from compacted dirt runways could open new options for strategic mobility, infrastructure deployment and humanitarian response missions.

“As strategic mobility requirements continue to grow, allied nations will require new airlift capabilities,” says Mark Lundstrom, founder and CEO of Radia. “No new strategic airlift aircraft has entered production anywhere in the world in more than a decade. WindRunner is being developed to help address that gap by providing a new capability for transporting mission-critical, outsized cargo. We are proud to strengthen our collaboration with MIMIT and with Italy's aerospace and industrial sectors as we advance this transformational programme.”

Under the agreement, MIMIT and Radia will work together to evaluate how Italian industry could contribute across manufacturing, engineering and supply chain activities. The framework also supports engagement with regional stakeholders, particularly in Campania and Puglia.

Italy already plays a significant role in Radia's international footprint, with Rome serving as one of the company's principal headquarters outside the United States. Any future investments or programme decisions arising from the agreement remain subject to further analysis, approvals and additional agreements.