Italy is strengthening its missile defense posture through a new Leonardo contract covering four state-of-the-art radar systems for the Michelangelo Dome initiative. Supplied under an agreement with TELEDIFE, the radars incorporate GaN-based digital AESA technology, offering extended detection ranges, improved efficiency, and real-time tracking of ballistic threats reaching distances of up to 3,000 kilometers. Leonardo stated that the radars will function as critical sensor nodes, feeding precise data to fire-control systems and interceptors across multiple defense layers. The Michelangelo Dome leverages predictive algorithms and sensor fusion to identify threats earlier and optimize response timelines. Recent achievements include Italy’s first qualification firing of the SAMP/T NG system using Leonardo’s KRONOS radar, demonstrating enhanced tracking and engagement capability. Together, these milestones underscore Italy’s progress toward deploying a modern, integrated, and resilient missile defense architecture.
