Leonardo Demonstrates Advanced Naval Systems at Formidable Shield 2021

Several Leonardo technologies were trialled at the Formidable Shield 2021 NATO air defense and anti-missile exercise, including the Kronos MFRA radar, multi data link communications system and Mode-5-capable Identification Friend/Foe system By DA Staff / 22 Jun 2021

Discover Leading Defense Technology Solutions

Discover cutting-edge solutions from leading global suppliers
SUPPLIER SPOTLIGHT
Follow DA

Leonardo demonstrated the advanced technology and operational effectiveness of its naval systems at Formidable Shield 2021, NATO’s main air defense and anti-missile exercise.

The range of systems demonstrated included detection, tracking, communication, command and control capabilities.

The exercise saw live and simulated engagements against subsonic, supersonic and ballistic missiles in the skies. 

Naval vessels, aircraft and land vehicles from 10 nations tested their information exchange and interoperability capabilities as part of a simulated coalition-level response.

A number of Leonardo technologies were on-board the Italian Navy’s Antonio Marceglia, the eighth frigate to be delivered under the FREMM (European multi-purpose frigate) programme. This included the Kronos MFRA (Multi-Function Radar Active) 3D radar that can locate, classify and track targets within a 250km radius. The Kronos MFRA was able to locate ballistic missiles in flight as they reached speeds of over 1,800m/s and accelerated at over 6G, and continued tracking the missiles over 200km.

At the trial, the frigate also made use of its MDLP-EVO (Multi Data Link Processor) communication system to exchange tactical data, while its IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system, updated to the NATO Mode-5 standard, helped distinguish between allies and potential threats.

The brain of the ship, its Combat Management System (CMS), coordinated the frigate’s air defense and anti-missile operations, processing data from the ship’s various sensors and presenting a real-time tactical picture of the scenario to the frigate crew and other units, supporting decisions and interventions at a coalition level.

Leonardo’s weapon system, the Super Rapido naval gun with 76mm DART guided ammunition, demonstrated its ability to protect its host ship from even the most sophisticated threats. 

The Aster 30 missile from MBDA, a European joint venture in which Leonardo has a 25% share, also demonstrated its ability to intercept incoming missiles.

Posted by DA Staff Connect & Contact

Latest Articles

Advanced C2 Software for Autonomous Swarm Operations Released

L3Harris introduces AMORPHOUS™, a new software that enables seamless control of thousands of autonomous assets across domains, enhancing military operations with advanced, collaborative autonomy.

Feb 17, 2025
Trillium to Provide Gimbal Systems for Raytheon Loitering Munition

Trillium Engineering has been awarded a Phase One Production contract to supply HD25-LV gimbal systems, set to integrate with a Raytheon Loitering Munition

Feb 17, 2025
ISTEC to Enhance Jackal 3 Extenda with Advanced Weapon Systems

ISTEC Services is set to supply advanced weapon integration systems for 53 Jackal 3 Extenda vehicles, enhancing firepower and versatility in partnership with Supacat and Babcock

Feb 17, 2025
Commercial vs. 3D Printed Propellers

Tyto Robotics delves into whether UAV rotors produced through additive manufacturing can match the aerodynamic and acoustic performance of commercially available plastic propellers

Feb 14, 2025
Specialized Drones Trialled for Medical Supply Delivery in Military Training

Oregon National Guard combat medics are training with drones to deliver medical supplies, enhancing battlefield readiness for large-scale operations with innovative solutions

Feb 14, 2025
EFI Drone Propulsion Solutions for Military Applications

Defense Advancement showcases INF Inject's advanced EFI (electronic fuel injection) drone propulsion solutions for military and defense applications

Feb 14, 2025

Featured Content

Rugged Computing Solutions for Defense Applications

Defense Advancement showcases Systel's rugged mission-critical computing solutions for defense and government applications

Feb 13, 2025
IDEX 2025: Allen-Vanguard to Introduce New RF CEMA Technology

Allen-Vanguard is unveiling its latest core at IDEX 2025, delivering a new level of capability for multi-function CEMA platforms with improved electronic warfare performance

Feb 13, 2025
Teledyne FLIR Unveils Software Solution to Enhance UAS Automation & AI Capabilities

Teledyne FLIR introduces Prism Supervisor, enhancing UAS capabilities by integrating autopilot systems with AI-driven analytics, enabling real-time mission adaptation, automation, and synchronized multi-UAV operations for improved efficiency and success

Feb 10, 2025