Italy Orders Ballistic Defence Radars from Leonardo

Representation of the Michelangelo Dome concept | Image: Leonardo

Leonardo has signed a contract with Italy’s TELEDIFE (Direzione Informatica Telematica e Tecnologie Avanzate) to develop and deliver four next-generation radars designed to counter long-range ballistic threats, the company said on December 18. The radars are intended to support Italy’s Michelangelo Dome advanced integrated air and missile defence system.

The agreement covers the development and supply of two types of sensors: the Ground Based Radar (GBR) and the Mobile Long Range Radar (MLRR). These systems are intended to detect and track ballistic threats at ranges of up to 3,000 kilometres. According to Leonardo, the radars are based on fully digital Active Electronically Scanned Array technology using gallium nitride components.

The contract marks a further step in the implementation of the Michelangelo Dome system, which was officially presented in November. It follows the first qualification launch of the SAMP/T NG surface-to-air missile system earlier in December, which used Leonardo’s KRONOS Grand Mobile High Power Radar sensor.

Leonardo said the new radars are designed to provide early warning, surveillance, identification, and tracking, and to support real-time updates of the tactical picture. The systems are also intended to cue fire control radars and integrate with other defence assets through an open architecture.

With this programme, Italy is moving to field national air and missile defence capabilities aimed at addressing long-range ballistic threats within a European context.