A major step forward in the development and implementation of the Michelangelo Dome advanced integrated defence system, officially unveiled three weeks ago

Leonardo takes a major step forward in the development and implementation of the Michelangelo Dome advanced integrated defence system technology enablers, signing a contract with Italian TELEDIFE (Direzione Informatica Telematica e Tecnologie Avanzate) for the development and delivery of four next generation radars, designed to counter long range ballistic threats (3,000 km).

This signing sets a second milestone for the Michelangelo Dome advanced integrated defence system since its official unveiling in November (see AVIONEWS). The contract follows the successful first qualification launch of the Italian SAMP/T NG Surface-to-Air Missile system, carried out in early December, equipped with Leonardo’s latest-generation KRONOS Grand Mobile High Power Radar Sensor (see AVIONEWS). 

The contract includes the supply of the Ground Based Radar (GBR) and the Mobile Long Range Radar (MLRR). These systems feature fully digital AESA GaN (Active Electronically Scanned Array – Gallium Nitride) technology, allowing high efficiency and extended detection range, and able to deliver advanced surveillance and early warning, accurate identification and timely tracking, enabling real time tactical picture update and effectively cueing Fire Control Radars (FCR) and the relevant effectors, according to the open architecture and asset integration versatility in multidomain scenarios, consistent with the Michelangelo Dome’s design and operational philosophy.      

These characteristics, combined with other advanced capabilities, make the new radars one of the effective measures to meet the integrated ballistic defence requirements, positioning this technology at the top of European advanced radar sensor capabilities. With this programme, Italy is the first European country featuring national integrated air and missile defence capabilities to counter new long range threats.