Leonardo to Build Long-range Missile Defence Radars for Italy

Leonardo has signed a contract with Italy’s defence technology directorate TELEDIFE to develop and deliver four long-range radars intended to detect and track ballistic missile threats as part of Italy’s future national air and missile defence network.

The agreement, announced on 18 December, follows the unveiling last month of Italy’s planned integrated air and missile defence architecture, designed to link sensors, command systems, and interceptors into a single national framework.

Under the contract, Leonardo will supply Ground Based Radar units and Mobile Long Range Radar systems capable of detecting ballistic threats at ranges of up to 3,000 kilometres. The radars are intended to provide early warning, target identification, and continuous tracking, while supporting real-time updates to the operational picture and cueing fire control radars and interceptors.

The systems use fully digital active electronically scanned array technology based on gallium nitride, which allows extended detection range and continuous surveillance. The radars are designed around an open architecture, allowing them to integrate with multiple air and missile defence assets across different operational domains.

The contract represents the second major step in the programme after Italy conducted the first qualification launch of its SAMP/T NG surface-to-air missile system earlier this month. That test used Leonardo’s KRONOS Grand Mobile High Power radar sensor, another component of Italy’s evolving air defence capability.

Italian defence authorities have framed the programme as a response to the growing range and complexity of long-range missile threats. Based on official information released with the contract, Italy is set to become the first European country to field a nationally integrated air and ballistic missile defence capability built around domestically developed sensors and command systems.

Leonardo did not disclose the contract value or delivery schedule.