Italy’s AI powered defense system, ‘Michelangelo Dome’ set to protect the nation amid rising Russian threats
CEO Roberto Cingolani stated that this was necessary and said, “This is an important model for the security of Italy, Europe and NATO countries in the coming years.” The system is inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome, which has been in operation since 2011, but extends to space, sea, land, air and cyber domains.
System capabilities and technology
The Michelangelo Dome acts as a shield or “security dome” covering important areas such as cities, airports, military bases and critical infrastructure. It combines data from land, sea, air and space sensors with predictive AI to detect, track and neutralize threats through a web kill strategy where AI selects the most appropriate effectors at high speeds.
It predicts enemy activity, optimizes asset positioning and ensures NATO interoperability in a cyber-secured environment. Key features include management of hypersonic missiles, drone swarms, rockets and hybrid threats.
Cingolani highlighted a new “Project Bromo” facility that, together with Thales and Airbus, will produce 100 satellites per year for missile warning and orbit prediction. Open architecture protects critical infrastructure and urban areas by coordinating platforms from underground to space.
“These satellites need to see an object flying at five kilometers per second,” Cingolani said, according to AGN. “Those who have these satellites have detection and predictive power that no one else has.” Michelangelo, which emerged amid European pressure for air defense against Russia following EU investments in Israeli systems, addresses the vulnerabilities exposed by the Ukrainian conflicts. A joint Leonardo-Italian armed forces team will be partially deployed shortly and adapted with full operations by the end of 2027 or 2028. FAQ
Q. How is it different from Israel’s Iron Dome?
Iron Dome has been focusing on short-range rockets since 2011; Michelangelo delivers sea-to-space predictive capabilities by integrating multi-domain AI for hypersonics, drones and cyber.
Q. What determines Europe’s urgency?
Increasing Russian threats, including hypersonic weapons and unmanned aerial vehicles seen in Ukraine, are prompting the deployment of NATO-compatible shields.
Q. Can it be deployed now?
Partial distribution via Italian forces team coming soon; Full system by 2027-2028, designed for interoperability with allies.
