Italy’s Leonardo, a major defence contractor, has announced the development of an AI-driven protective system dubbed the “Michelangelo Dome.” This shield is designed to defend cities and critical infrastructure against a broad spectrum of modern threats, from hypersonic missiles to drone swarms. The project reflects a growing urgency in Europe to bolster its independent defence capabilities, particularly following shifts in geopolitical commitments and ongoing conflicts.
Rising European Defence Spending
The development of the Michelangelo Dome comes amid a period of increased military investment across Europe. This trend accelerated in 2022 after former US President Donald Trump questioned the sustainability of American financial support for the bloc, and following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The resulting need for greater self-reliance has led to initiatives such as the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI), which aims to create a unified aerial defence system.
Leonardo’s project isn’t immediately linked to ESSI, but its focus on comprehensive threat detection and response aligns with the broader European push for stronger security.
How the Dome Works: An Integrated Approach
Unlike conventional defence systems, the Michelangelo Dome integrates multiple layers of protection:
– Multi-Domain Sensors : The system combines land, naval, air, and space-based sensors for complete situational awareness.
– AI-Powered Prediction : Advanced algorithms anticipate hostile actions by analysing real-time data.
– Automated Countermeasures : The AI automatically coordinates the most effective response to any detected threat.
This layered approach is designed to counter not just traditional attacks, but also emerging dangers like coordinated drone swarms and subsurface maritime threats. Leonardo claims the system can detect and neutralise threats even during large-scale assaults, making it a potentially game-changing asset for urban defence.
Strategic Implications: Defence vs. Offence
Leonardo CEO Roberto Cingolani emphasized that modern defence requires innovation and international cooperation. The company’s stated goal is to make defence more cost-effective than attack, a critical shift in strategy given the rising costs of military operations.
The Michelangelo Dome is slated to be fully operational by the end of the decade, signaling a long-term commitment to AI-driven security solutions. This timeline suggests Leonardo is betting on rapid advancements in sensor technology and artificial intelligence to deliver on its promises.
The Michelangelo Dome represents a significant step towards a future where defence is proactive, not reactive. Its success hinges on the continued development of AI and the willingness of European nations to integrate such systems into their broader security frameworks.
