The Italian defence group Leonardo has unveiled an AI-based air defence system designed to counter attacks from the air, sea, land and even outer space. The system, named „Michelangelo Dome“ in reference to the dome of St Peter’s Basilica in Rome designed by Michelangelo, is intended to network a wide range of platforms and weapons systems and is expected to be operational from 2028. The model for the project is Israel’s Iron Dome.

Presenting the project in Rome, chief executive Roberto Cingolani said the system was not intended to compete with the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) launched by Germany in 2022, which aims to establish an integrated, ground-based air defence system with anti-ballistic capabilities. Twenty-three countries are participating, including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Poland, Switzerland and Austria – but not Spain, France or Italy. Paris has refused to join because the project also involves non-European technologies. On the corporate side, companies such as Diehl, Hensoldt and MBDA are involved.

The Michelangelo Dome, Cingolani said, would act as an „accelerator“ for such initiatives and, thanks to its open and flexible architecture, would allow national or international projects in Europe or within Nato – including ESSI – to be integrated under a single umbrella. Talks are currently under way with potential partners in the US, he added, without naming names. Several eastern European countries have expressed interest as well. No details were given on the investment volume. Cingolani estimates the overall market over the next ten years at 1.1 trillion dollars, with a potential share of 200 billion dollars for his company alone.

In Cingolani’s view, now is the right time to invest in such a project – even if the war in Ukraine were to end. „A new kind of war is beginning. Peace has to be defended, and that comes at a price“, he said. Major Nato countries, he added, were targeted by around 18,000 hybrid attacks every year. These must be responded to quickly and effectively. The system must be capable of neutralising supersonic missile threats within minutes while also providing a cost-efficient defence against smartphone-controlled drones.

The defence group now intends to work initially with the Italian armed forces to develop a new security architecture tailored to Italy’s defence needs. However, the system is designed to integrate the platforms of other Nato countries as well.

Since taking office, Cingolani has expanded the group’s international partnerships. Tanks are being developed with Rheinmetall, drones with Baykar, satellites with Airbus and Thales, while the Gcap fighter jet is being built together with BAE Systems and Mitsubishi. In addition, Iveco Defence has been acquired. „We have positioned ourselves as catalysts for alliances in Europe and are also talking to our American counterparts, because no one will manage this alone“, the CEO noted.