The Italian company Leonardo is testing components of the air defense dome in Ukraine by the end of the year. The AI-powered system will counter drones, ballistic and hypersonic missiles.
The Italian defense company Leonardo plans to test components of the latest integrated Michelangelo air and missile defense system in Ukraine. The tests may begin by the end of the year, while in NATO countries they are planned only from 2027. This is reported by Defense Express, writes UNN. The PromPolitInform portal informs.
This was reported by the company’s CEO Roberto Cingolani.
“The first component of the Michelangelo dome is currently being built for our friends in Ukraine,” he said.
Leonardo does not specify which elements of the system will be tested, but emphasizes that testing technologies in combat conditions is an effective approach.
System to counter drones and missiles
Michelangelo should combine elements of air and missile defense and ensure the interception of a wide range of air threats – from drones to ballistic and hypersonic missiles. It is likely that during the tests in Ukraine, the system’s capabilities in combating drones will be tested first of all.
Leonardo notes that the system will use new-generation sensors, artificial intelligence and the MC5 multi-domain control module, which will coordinate the work of various air defense systems. The full integration of Michelangelo into the defense systems of NATO and the EU is planned to be completed by 2030.
