Less than ten days after its official launch, Leonardo’s Michelangelo Security Dome has notched a critical technological achievement, underscoring Italy’s growing sovereignty in integrated air and missile defence (IAMD). On December 3, 2025, the system successfully executed its first qualification launch of the SAMP/T NG (New Generation) surface-to-air missile, guided by Leonardo’s cutting-edge KRONOS Grand Mobile High Power radar.
This milestone test was far from routine. The KRONOS Grand radar, utilizing a sophisticated Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) architecture, tracked a target threat and guided the SAMP/T NG missile to a successful intercept at an unprecedented range for the Eurosam system during land-based trials. This performance pushes the operational boundaries of the platform and delivers tangible proof of the dome’s advanced capabilities.
The result solidifies the status of Leonardo’s KRONOS Grand Mobile as a best-in-class radar sensor in Europe, a core pillar upon which the Michelangelo Dome is being built. This success is not isolated. It builds upon a proven track record demonstrated during major multinational IAMD exercises like Formidable Shield and Pacific Dragon, where Leonardo’s sensor and command-and-control technologies performed reliably in complex, coalition environments.
The Michelangelo Security Dome represents a strategic shift towards a dynamic, open-architecture defence system. Unlike closed, proprietary systems, its design is inherently flexible, allowing for the seamless integration of various national sensors, effectors, and command nodes. This “system of systems” approach is key to creating a cohesive, multi-layered shield.
This latest successful intercept is a powerful validation of the technical path Leonardo has undertaken. It proves the core components work effectively together under demanding conditions. The Michelangelo Dome, through its open architecture and demonstrated high performance, is positioning itself as a leading candidate for the future integration of a European-wide defensive dome against evolving aerial and missile threats, offering a made-in-Europe solution for collective security.
