Italy’s defence firm Leonardo introduced a new air-and-missile protection system in Rome on Nov. 27, presenting what it calls the Michelangelo Dome. The system is built as a complete defence network rather than a single piece of hardware, linking sensors on land, at sea, in the air and in space with cyber-security tools and command-and-control technology. All of it is supported by artificial intelligence to help process information quickly.

Leonardo says the Dome is built to detect and counter threats ranging from hypersonic missiles to drone swarms and coordinated strikes on multiple fronts. Its software is designed to sort incoming data, identify risks and trigger the most effective response even when attacks happen at the same time in different areas.

The system is designed to be modular and compatible with equipment already used by NATO members, allowing countries to integrate it into their existing networks. While the project supports Italy’s own defence needs, it is also being promoted as a foundation for a more unified European security structure as countries face growing concerns about rapid, unpredictable threats.

Officials involved in the project say the Dome reflects the speed at which defence systems now need to react. The company expects it to be fully operational by 2028.