A New Era for European Air Defence
Italy’s defence and aerospace company Leonardo has unveiled plans for a new advanced air defence system named the “Michelangelo Dome.” The system aims to enhance Europe’s ability to counter modern aerial threats as regional security concerns rise amid tensions with Russia and other global risks.
Presented in Rome on Thursday, the “Michelangelo Dome” is designed to protect critical infrastructure and strategic areas by integrating various defence assets operating in space, air, land, and sea. Leonardo said the system can detect, track, intercept, and neutralise threats such as rockets, missiles, and drones before they reach their targets.
The concept draws inspiration from Israel’s Iron Dome, operational since 2011, but will be tailored to European and NATO defence needs.
Strengthening Italy and NATO Defences
Leonardo’s Chief Executive, Roberto Cingolani, described the project as a key component of future European and NATO defence strategy. “This is a model that is important for security in Italy, Europe, and NATO countries in the coming years,” he said.
To deliver the system, Leonardo will collaborate closely with the Italian armed forces, forming a joint team to design the system’s architecture according to national defence requirements. The company expects partial deployment before full operational readiness in 2028.
Cingolani emphasised that the Michelangelo Dome will act as a multi-layered shield capable of defending vital installations such as airports, energy hubs, and government centres.
Cooperative European Defence Vision
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto, speaking from Paris after a meeting with French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin, said the project aligns with Europe’s push to strengthen collective security. “Each country can integrate its own technologies,” Crosetto noted. “Together, we can create a highly advanced defence system against all types of threats — from hypersonic missiles to small drones — because threats now come in many different forms.”
Crosetto confirmed that Italy had already discussed the initiative with several European allies, aiming for broader cooperation in developing a shared European defence capability.
With plans to become fully operational by 2028, the Michelangelo Dome marks a significant step in Italy’s ambition to build a modern, adaptive, and collaborative defence infrastructure that can meet evolving threats across multiple domains.
with inputs from Reuters