New Generation Ballistic Radar to be Developed for Italy’s Defense

Leonardo has been awarded a contract to create a new generation of ballistic radar for the defense of Italy.

The company said it will develop and supply four radar stations for the Italian Michelangelo Dome system.

This should enhance the country’s ability to detect and counter long-range ballistic missiles.

The contract provides for the supply of both ground-based radars and mobile long-range radars.

These radars use a digital active phased array antenna based on gallium nitride, which provides increased detection range, high energy efficiency and real-time target tracking.

They are expected to be able to counter long-range ballistic threats at ranges of up to 3,000 kilometers.

According to Leonardo, the systems are capable of transmitting accurate targeting data to fire control radars and other weapons, supporting a modular, multi-domain defense architecture.

Michelangelo Dome program

The Michelangelo Dome system uses sensors and predictive algorithms to detect suspicious activity early for optimal response.

Since its official presentation in late November 2025, Italian defense partners have achieved a number of specific integration and testing milestones.

In December 2025, Italy carried out the first qualification launch of the SAMP/T NG air defense missile system equipped with Leonardo’s high-powered KRONOS Grand Mobile radar sensor.

During the test, the radar tracked and guided the interceptor at a range that had not been previously achieved in ground tests.

It is expected that these developments will be the impetus for gradual progress towards operational integration of sensors and multi-domain tracking capabilities within the Italian national defense system.