ROME, March 12 (Reuters) - Italian defence group Leonardo said on Thursday it was "positioned on a path of strong growth", with orders, revenues and core profits set to rise further this year.

The state-controlled group said orders would be up to around 25 billion euros ($28.85 billion) from 23.8 billion euros in 2025 and revenues would rise to 21 billion euros from 19.5 billion euros last year.

Earnings before interest taxes and amortisation (EBITA) were expected to increase to 2.03 billion euros by the end of the year, it added.

"The Group is positioned on a path of strong growth, supported by a strengthening of profitability and cash generation," the Rome-based company said in a statement.

It proposed a divided of 0.63 euros per share on last year's results.

($1 = 0.8666 euros)