Italy’s aerospace and defense group Leonardo has introduced the “Michelangelo Dome,” a new integrated, multi-layered air defence system designed to counter a wide range of modern threats including hypersonic missiles, drone swarms, and naval attacks. The system aims to protect critical infrastructure, sensitive urban areas, and strategic national and European assets with cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence.
The Michelangelo Dome is not a single piece of equipment, but a complete defence architecture integrating next-generation sensors across land, air, naval, and space domains, along with cyber-defence platforms, command-and-control systems, and coordinated effectors. This modular, scalable, and open system is capable of detecting, tracking, intercepting, and neutralizing threats even during large-scale, coordinated attacks.
Michelangelo Dome leverages data fusion from various sensors and uses advanced AI algorithms to anticipate hostile actions and automatically coordinate defensive measures, dramatically accelerating response times[2][5][6].
Leonardo’s CEO Roberto Cingolani highlighted that Michelangelo Dome represents a security model important not only for Italy but also for Europe and NATO countries. Fully operational by 2028, the system reinforces European strategic autonomy and technological resilience while enhancing collaborative defence capabilities.
The system is intended to safeguard:
This capability is particularly vital as Europe intensifies military preparations in response to evolving threats such as those posed by Russia and hybrid warfare tactics[1][3][4].
The name “Michelangelo Dome” evokes Italy’s rich engineering tradition symbolized by the harmony and protection embodied in Michelangelo’s architectural masterpieces. This project integrates that cultural heritage with state-of-the-art technology, showcasing Italy’s innovation and technical expertise on the global stage[2][7].
Development will be carried out by a joint team of Leonardo personnel and the Italian armed forces, emphasizing cooperation between industry and military sectors. The initiative also aligns with wider European efforts to develop interoperable and technologically advanced defence systems, promoting synergy among NATO allies and partners[1][5].
Michelangelo Dome draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome system, which has been effective since 2011 in neutralizing short-range rockets and missiles. Similarly, Michelangelo Dome will protect against diverse aerial threats by creating a dynamic “security dome” over critical areas[1][3].
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