Italian defense company Leonardo introduced a new remotely operated air-defense system to strengthen the Michelangelo Dome.
The new system, called Hystrix 76 Air Defence System (ADS), is designed to protect critical “dead zones” in the layered air-defense network. These are areas where traditional missile systems may struggle to intercept low-flying or fast-moving threats.
Hystrix 76 will provide a close-in defense layer against modern aerial threats, including drones, drone swarms, and steep-diving aircraft.
Michelangelo Dome’s Dead Zones
“Dead Zones” refer to the lowest and most vulnerable layer of the Michelangelo Dome. This AI-powered, multi-domain air-defense system is being developed by Leonardo to protect against a wide range of airborne threats.
Leonardo states that this layer focuses on detecting, tracking, and neutralizing threats that fly low, maneuver unpredictably, or approach at sharp angles. These include small drones, loitering munitions, and coordinated swarm attacks.
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The company says the Hystrix 76 ADS is specifically designed to fill these gaps and prevent enemy systems from slipping through the shield.
Leonardo’s Naval Gun for Land Combat
The Hystrix 76 ADS uses a 76/62mm gun that is already combat-proven in naval service. Leonardo has adapted the weapon for land-based air-defense missions.
The system can fire several types of advanced air-defense ammunition. These include HE-PF-IM6-OES and HE-MOMA1 rounds, both featuring selectable detonation modes for different targets.
It can also fire Vulcan 76 guided rounds with programmable fuses, as well as DART guided munitions, designed to intercept fast-moving, maneuvering aerial threats.
According to Leonardo, the system provides 360-degree coverage and a high elevation range. This allows it to engage targets ranging from low-flying drones to aircraft diving at steep angles.
Flexible Deployment
Leonardo has designed the Hystrix 76 ADS for flexible use. It can operate as a fixed installation to protect key sites or as a relocatable asset.
The system can also be mounted on trucks. It will allow armed forces to move it quickly and adapt to changing battlefield conditions.
This flexibility is suitable for defending military bases, critical infrastructure, and forward-deployed units.
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Drone-Killer Rounds
Recent trials showed powerful performance from the Hystrix 76 system. Leonardo confirmed that HE-MOMA1 and DART munitions successfully engaged small, maneuvering drones at realistic operational ranges.
The trials used a C-band Tactical Multi-Mission Radar that tracked multiple targets simultaneously and guided the system during engagements.
Leonardo says these tests demonstrate the system’s ability to defeat complex and evolving aerial threats.
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Lighter Version on Card
Leonardo is also developing a more mobile version called Hystrix 76 ADS Light.
The lighter system will weigh less than 4,000 kilograms (8,800 pounds). It is designed for 8×8 wheeled vehicles or tracked platforms, allowing faster deployment and improved mobility.
Leonardo says the lighter variant will retain the core capabilities of the full-size system while offering greater operational flexibility.
