Leonardo has proposed an integrated air defense and missile defense control system, Michelangelo Dome.
How the Michelangelo Dome System Works
Modern missile weapons, including hypersonic systems, place high demands on air and missile defense. In particular, advanced control systems are necessary. Defense- Missile defense systems capable of quickly and effectively responding to emerging threats. The Italian company Leonardo offers its own solution to this problem. It proposes integrating existing air defense and missile defense systems using the new Michelangelo Dome command and control system.
Perspective development
On November 27, Leonardo held an official presentation, revealing for the first time its new Michelangelo Dome project. During the event, the project's main concepts were revealed, the progress of the work was reported, and other details were announced.
Development of the Kupol is reported to have begun recently in response to the emergence of new threats and the strengthening of existing ones. Third countries are actively developing strike systems of various classes, including hypersonic ones. Similar weapon requires appropriate defense systems, and the available systems may not be able to cope with such threats.
In this regard, Leonardo and the Italian Ministry of Defense have begun developing a new integrated command and control system. To date, the project's key concepts and solutions have been finalized and its future development paths have been identified. Furthermore, a few days ago, the leadership of the Italian Defense Ministry was briefed on the Michelangelo Dome project.
Work is expected to continue soon, with the first tangible results expected. Leonardo plans to deploy components of the new system to Italian Army units by the end of 2027 and have it operational. The launch of the Michelangelo Dome system should significantly enhance the combat capability of Italy's air and missile defense system.
In the future, it may be possible to expand to a European level. Relevant devices and systems would be deployed in allied armies, thereby achieving international cooperation and integration. Ideally, the "Michelangelo Dome" would "cover" all of Europe and surrounding areas. The developer estimates that construction of such a system would take up to five years.
MC5 Terminal
However, foreign military agencies have not yet commented on the Italian idea of a regional air defense and missile defense system. Perhaps they were unaware of the Michelangelo Dome project and had not yet had time to draw conclusions. However, the first preliminary agreements on integrating defense systems using Italian developments may emerge soon.
Integrated architecture
The Michelangelo Dome project envisions the creation of a new command and control system to oversee existing air and missile defense assets and systems. Several solutions are proposed to simplify the system's construction, improve its performance, and enhance overall defense effectiveness.
The Michelangelo Dome's core element will be the MC5 terminal module. This compact device contains the necessary software and hardware. It is particularly noteworthy that the module incorporates artificial intelligence elements to process incoming data.
The module has standard NATO interfaces, allowing it to be mounted on a wide range of platforms. The MC5 is designed to work with space reconnaissance systems, ground-based radars, various command posts, and more. Installation on ground-based air defense systems, aircraft, and ships is also envisaged.
The terminal must receive various information from its carrier and its onboard equipment. Standard communications equipment is used to receive external data from other MC5 devices. A shared information space must be created, with each participant transmitting available data and receiving the necessary information.
Regardless of the source, incoming information is processed using AI. The results of these calculations can be used by the terminal's host system or transmitted to the network, where they can be received by other systems.
Possible participants in the Michelangelo Dome system, their weapons and intended targets
Kupol will be able to collect data from various sources and create a comprehensive picture of the air situation. The system will also be able to identify threats, assess their danger, and distribute them among fire assets. Target designation for specific systems and fire control will be provided by MC5 terminals.
It is claimed that the air defense and missile defense systems controlled by Michelangelo Dome will be capable of engaging a wide range of targets. They will effectively intercept operational-tactical, short- and medium-range ballistic missiles. Similar results are expected for manned and unmanned aircraft. aviation all classes, as well as with high-precision weapons.
Expected Benefits
Essentially, the Michelangelo Dome project proposes a network-centric communications and control system that can incorporate various assets and systems. Similar systems are already being developed and implemented in various countries. Leonardo reports that its project includes several important innovations and differences, which will provide advantages over similar developments.
First and foremost, the advantage is its open architecture. The devices included in the Kupol system will be compatible with a wide range of existing and future air defense and missile defense systems. This will, to a certain extent, simplify the deployment and creation of an integrated defense, regardless of its composition, scale, etc.
Due to various factors, not all air and missile defense systems in service with European countries can directly interact with each other. They require intermediate control systems, and Michelangelo Dome is intended to fill this role. It will also be possible to ensure the joint operation of systems from different branches of the armed forces. For example, it could be used to organize and/or optimize the joint operation of radars and fighter aircraft or ground-based air defense systems.
MC5 terminals, and future devices, are built on modern components and feature up-to-date software. This ensures high performance. This performance is considered crucial, as it determines the success of defense and the likelihood of timely interception of airborne targets, including the most complex ones.
At the same time, this innovation will provide a significant service life. Furthermore, it will significantly simplify future development and upgrades of the system. High hopes are also placed on future software development and related performance improvements.
Interestingly, Leonardo offers potential customers more than just a new integrated control system. It is also ready to build and supply systems of other classes compatible with the Michelangelo Dome. Its product catalog includes a variety of radar and anti-aircraft systems, as well as other weapons and equipment.
Leonardo will obviously offer its other products alongside the Michelangelo Dome system. If this process is successful, the company could receive additional orders and the corresponding profits. However, the Dome's compatibility with other companies' products could hinder such success.
Proposal and its implementation
Leonardo is therefore seeking new contracts and is developing a variety of systems and weapons to this end. It recently unveiled a new integrated system design that could improve air and missile defense capabilities in the future.
The Michelangelo Dome project is expected to yield its first results within the next two years, helping to rebuild Italy's air and missile defense system. Leonardo then plans to enter the international market and modernize defenses across Europe. Whether this will be achieved will only be known in a few years.
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