Leonardo DRS launches cxMHR radar for air and missile defense, begins production

By Lukasz Prus (Defence Industry Europe)

Air and missile defence |
Leonardo DRS launches cxMHR radar for air and missile defense, begins production

Image: Leonardo DRS.

Leonardo DRS has begun initial production of its cxMHR air defense radar, unveiling the system at AUSA 2026 in Washington. It is designed to detect and track missiles, rockets and drones while protecting deployed forces and fixed sites.

The C-Band Extended Multi-Mission Hemispheric Radar is a fully digital, software-defined system that uses active electronically scanned array technology. Four radar panels provide continuous 360-degree hemispheric coverage.

The system is designed to detect, track and identify multiple aerial threats simultaneously. These include tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, rockets and uncrewed aircraft.

Leonardo DRS reports detection ranges exceeding 90 kilometers against drones and loitering munitions. Its stated detection range against transport aircraft exceeds 330 kilometers.

The radar panels, Identification Friend or Foe equipment, command-and-control functions and supporting equipment are integrated into one ISO-containerized system. The package can be transported by air, land or sea and deployed on a single vehicle.

Leonardo DRS lists expeditionary and fixed-site air defense among its applications. Other roles include force protection, tactical surveillance and engagement support.

“The cxMHR gives our customers a deployable, single-vehicle capability that delivers persistent 360-degree surveillance, long-range detection, and fire-control-quality tracking against today’s most challenging air threats,” said Max Cohen, senior vice president and general manager of Leonardo DRS RADA Technologies. “We are ready to deliver this advanced IAMD capability at the speed and scale required by our customers.”

The cxMHR uses AI-enabled tracking and classification to provide fire-control-quality tracks and rapid target updates. Its software-defined architecture is built to Modular Open Systems Approach standards for integration into broader air and missile defense networks.

Supported interfaces include FAAD, Medusa, Sapient, Lattice, Asterix, MICAD and RAFT. The announcement did not identify initial customers or disclose production quantities and delivery schedules.