Leonardo’s Michelangelo Security Dome integrated defence system concept has marked its first achievement within 10 days of being launched with a successful air defence test in Italy, Leonardo announced on 9 December 2025.
On 3 December 2025 the first qualification launch for the Italian SAMP/T NG surface-to-air missile (SAM) system was carried out, equipped with Leonardo’s latest-generation Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar sensor. This C-Band radar, based on a multi-function active electronically scanned-array (AESA) architecture, “proved its excellent performance by tracking the threat and guiding the missile to intercept at a distance never before achieved with the Eurosam SAMP/T system during land trials”, Leonardo noted.
The company additionally asserted that the performance of the Kronos Grand Mobile High Power radar during the test confirms it “as the best-in-class radar sensor in Europe for air and missile defence systems”.
Leonardo added that the test success with the Kronos radar, in addition to those previously achieved during international integrated air and missile defence exercises (‘Formidable Shield’ and ‘Pacific Dragon’) and ground-based SAM system live trials, “once more testifies to the solidity of the path undertaken by Leonardo in developing the Italian Michelangelo Security Dome that, thanks to its dynamic and open architecture, is the candidate to lead the integration of a dome against air and missile threats for Europe.”
