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Leonardo Unveils ‘Michelangelo Dome’ for a European Multi‑Domain Defense Shield

The company targets first operating elements within two years toward completion by decade’s end.

Overview

  • Leonardo presented the concept to Italy’s defense leadership and will form a mixed team with the armed forces to design the architecture.
  • The open system integrates space, air, land and naval sensors with cyber defense, command-and-control, AI and coordinated effectors to counter threats from drone swarms to hypersonic missiles.
  • The design aims to match low-cost attacks with cost-efficient responses, reducing reliance on expensive interceptors for cheap targets.
  • Italy’s defense minister said the government is discussing the project with other countries, and the architecture is intended to be NATO-compatible and adaptable for European partners.
  • CEO Roberto Cingolani projected an accessible market of about €200 billion over ten years and publicly urged greater defense investment while acknowledging a conflict of interest.