The qualification launch took place on 3 December 2025 and involved the Italian SAMP/T NG Surface-to-Air Missile equipped with Leonardo’s latest-generation KRONOS Grand Mobile High Power Radar Sensor. According to the announcement, the multifunction AESA Radar tracked the threat and guided the missile to interception at a range not previously achieved with the Eurosam SAMP/T system in land trials.
Leonardo stated that the milestone confirms the KRONOS Grand Mobile High Power as the best-in-class Radar Sensor in Europe for air and missile defence. The company added that the result follows earlier performance demonstrated during international Integrated Air and Missile Defence exercises, including Formidable Shield and Pacific Dragon, as well as previous live ground-based missile tests.
Leonardo said the achievement further supports the development path of the Italian Michelangelo Security Dome and validates its architecture as a candidate for future European integrated air and missile defence. The system is designed with a dynamic and open structure intended to support dome integration against evolving aerial and missile threats.
