Leonardo’s Next-Generation Long Range Ballistic Defense Radars

Leonardo takes another step forward in the development and realization of the enabling technologies of the advanced integrated defense system Michelangelo Dome, signing a contract with the Informatics Telematics and Advanced Technologies Directorate (TELEDIFE) for the development and supply of four next-generation radars, designed to counter long-range ballistic threats (3,000 km).

The agreement with TELEDIFE represents the second milestone, since the official presentation at the end of November, of the advanced integrated defense system Michelangelo Dome.

The agreement follows the successful first qualification launch of the Italian missile system SAMP/T NG, carried out at the beginning of December, equipped with the Leonardo KRONOS Grand Mobile High Power cutting-edge radar.

The Ground Based Radar and the Mobile Long Range Radar

The radars subject of the contract are the Ground Based Radar (GBR) and the Mobile Long Range Radar (MLRR). These radars, based on a completely digital AESA GaN (Electronic Scanning Antenna with Gallium Nitride components) technology able to ensure high efficiency and wide detection range, will be able to guarantee surveillance and timely threat detection (early warning), identification and tracking accuracy, contributing to real-time updating of the tactical picture and providing targeted data to fire control radar (Fire Control Radars – FCR) systems connected to the effectors, according to the principles of open architecture and versatility of integration of all assets in multi-domain scenarios, consistently with the design and operational philosophy underlying Michelangelo Dome.

These features, together with other advanced functions, making the radars of the new Program an effective measure to respond to the needs of Integrated Ballistic Defense and place them at the forefront of European capabilities in the field of advanced radar sensors. With this Program, Italy confirms itself as the first European country with national capabilities in integrated air and missile defense against new long-range threats.

Source and image credit @Leonardo Press Office