Italian defense giant Leonardo is poised for a revolutionary step, announcing that its new „Michelangelo” air defense system could be tested in Ukraine potentially before the close of the year. This strategic move, disclosed by the company, anticipates planned NATO trials in 2027, positioning Italian technology at the forefront of global military innovation.
A Crucial Test in a Real Environment
Roberto Cingolani, Leonardo’s CEO, confirmed the company’s intention during its industrial plan update. „The first component of the Michelangelo dome…is now under construction for our friends in Ukraine,” Cingolani stated, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the initiative. He added that „the first test will be there [in Ukraine] in a real environment,” with delivery „supposed” to go ahead by the close of 2026. „Don’t ask me more…but this is kind of proof that it’s a very effective approach,” Leonardo’s chief concluded, signaling confidence in the system’s capabilities.
A Multi-Billion Dollar Opportunity in the Global Market
While details regarding the operational deployment in Ukraine remain confidential, Cingolani revealed massive international interest. No fewer than 20 countries have already expressed their desire to order „Michelangelo,” with the project estimated to generate €21 billion in new business opportunities by 2035. This projection solidifies the system’s position as a driver of economic and technological growth for Italy.
Cutting-Edge Technology: From Hypersonic Missiles to Drone Swarms
„Michelangelo” promises „full capability to intercept, track and neutralize emerging threats across the entire operational spectrum,” according to official statements. This includes a wide range of dangers, from „ballistic and hypersonic threats to saturating attacks, as well as low-altitude and hard-to-detect threats such as large swarms of drones.” Central to this defense „dome” is the firm’s MC5 product, a plug-in module that enables multi-domain connectivity. Cingolani explained that the open-architecture-based system can secure a 10-15 kilometer long „dead zone” from drone and other weapon system attacks, effectively interconnecting artillery batteries, radars, satellites, and counter-unmanned aerial systems. „This [dead zone array of equipment] can be expanded as much as you want, as long as you have all the platforms and you own the software and the electronics and the control of those machines,” the CEO specified. Billions of euros invested by Leonardo in its suite of defense products have been essential for „Michelangelo’s” development.
Long-Term Vision: NATO Integration and Capability Expansion
In addition to the „urgent” program with Ukraine, Leonardo plans on „Michelangelo” technology transfer to „companion countries” and adaptation of the MC5 module to interoperate with a broader spectrum of weapon systems, though specific countries were not named. NATO trials, scheduled for 2027, will assess „Michelangelo’s” capability against ballistic missiles and will include an integrated command and control (C2) air and missile defense trial. Space capabilities will be bolstered by the launch of two Guardian constellations in 2028 and 2029. The ultimate goal is for „Michelangelo” to achieve full integration into NATO and European Union structures by the end of 2030, including the integration of next-generation sensors and effectors.
A Pan-European Shield? Open to Collaboration
Cingolani expressed Leonardo’s openness to collaborations for the development of other „dome” defense system models, including French manufacturer Thales, which recently announced the launch of its Skydefender system. „The dream is that one day you have a total dome that covers entire Europe,” he stated, tempering expectations with realism: „I think there is widespread opportunities,” which depend on different use cases. „It matters a lot whether you have to protect 25 kilometers square, or whether you have to protect Rome, which is much bigger, or you want to protect” all of Italy. Regarding the sales strategy, Cingolani mentioned various options, ranging from a software contract for the MC5 module to an „entire package” that would additionally cover other weapon systems produced by MBDA, a company in which Leonardo holds a 25 percent stake.
