Leonardo, serving as a key strategic partner to the Italian Navy, stands out among a select group of companies worldwide with a comprehensive range of naval security solutions. With cross-cutting capabilities that span various operational domains, including space and cyber security, Leonardo possesses a unique position in the industry. This advantage stems from its extensive expertise and ongoing commitment to research and development, with a notable 14% of revenues allocated to R&D efforts in 2022. Such investments ensure Leonardo remains at the forefront of innovation and is well-equipped to address the evolving challenges of today and tomorrow.

From 5 to 8 June, Leonardo will take part in the eighth SEAFUTURE, Italy’s leading event for the maritime industry, blue economy, navies, and governments. In the setting of the La Spezia Naval Base, Leonardo will present solutions to answer the demands of modern navies while also protecting the maritime environment, which is increasingly strategic and vital for the economy and security of nations.

Athena Mk2/U Combat Management System (CMS)

New products on display in La Spezia, where the ‘Polo Nazionale della Subacquea’ (National Diving Centre) under the aegis of the Italian Navy will shortly open, include the ATHENA Mk2/U Combat Management System (CMS) multifunctional console, developed by Leonardo in synergy with the Italian Navy. This system will be integrated onboard the Armed Forces’ new U212 NFS (Near Future Submarines). The ATHENA Mk2/U CMS’s multi-touch graphical human-machine interface will enable effective and ergonomic access to the system’s features and agile management of the operating scenario and of the information collected by the various onboard sensors, also supported by augmented reality.

Photograph of the screen of the ATHENA Mk2/U
The ATHENA Mk2/U CMS is a cutting-edge technology in Leonardo’s naval portfolio (Image Credit: Leonardo)

 

The ATHENA Mk2/U CMS is a cutting-edge technology in Leonardo’s naval portfolio, built from the CMS currently used in surface assets. It benefits from the company’s 20-plus years of experience in Command and Control. By making extensive use of artificial intelligence algorithms, the new system will provide operators with comprehensive tactical picture management and situational awareness of the surrounding operational scenario, enabling rapid mission planning and performance. Leonardo also develops light and heavy torpedoes, anti-torpedo systems, countermeasures and sonar for the underwater domain to maximize the effectiveness of platforms involved in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations.

Modular Turrets

Besides the above technologies, Leonardo’s naval solutions, already chosen by over 70 navies worldwide, include artillery systems, such as the modular turrets of the LIONFISH family, on show in La Spezia, plus radars, sensors, mission and communication systems, fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, both manned and remotely piloted, security solutions able to protect and defend critical infrastructures from cyberspace threats, and missile systems (through the 25%-owned MBDA).

Photograph of a Leonardo turret
Leonardo modular turret (Image Credit: Leonardo)

KRONOS Power Shield

The KRONOS Power Shield (Advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array – AESA), designed by Leonardo for ballistic missile defense, will be a highlight of SEAFUTURE 2023. The sensor, operating in L-Band, has a detection range of up to 1,500 kilometers. With over 500 helicopters in use in almost 40 countries for maritime operations, the company boasts a wide range of models designed for multi-mission and specialized operations. These include the AW139, the best-selling twin-engine helicopter in its class, with over 1100 helicopters in service, and the 16-tonne class AW101 helicopter.

Photograph of the Leonardo KRONOS Power Shield
The KRONOS Power Shield (Advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array – AESA (Image Credit: Leonardo)

AWHERO Rotary UAS

In the remotely piloted systems segment, Leonardo will exhibit the AWHERO. The platform represents the state-of-the-art 200 kg rotary UAS, developed specifically for naval operations by synergistically exploiting Leonardo’s experience and best technologies. AWHERO’s modular architecture makes it interchangeable with a wide range of sensors, including Leonardo’s Gabbiano Ultra-Light radar, crucial in ensuring maritime surveillance superiority. AWHERO is the only UAS in its class with military certification, guaranteeing the highest reliability and mission readiness.

Photograph of the Leonardo AWHERO Rotary UAS on a ship deck
Leonardo’s AWHERO state-of-the-art 200 kg rotary UAS (Image Credit: Leonardo)

C-27J Tactical Transport Aircraft

The C-27J tactical transport aircraft, already widely used in challenging operational contexts, is also in La Spezia. The C-27J Spartan Next Generation features new avionics with a five-screen multifunctional color glass cockpit, radar for tactical transport missions, and advanced communication systems. With multiple, easily installed and transportable roll-on/roll-off mission kits and systems, the C-27J can be quickly configured into MPA (Maritime Patrol), ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare), and C3ISR (Command-Control-Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) versions. Technologies on display will also include ATR 72 MP, capable of performing a wide range of roles, including monitoring maritime traffic corridors, protecting fishing activities, combating smuggling and drug trafficking, patrolling Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and Search and Rescue (SAR) operations. The aircraft can also perform transport, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (AsuW), and electronic intelligence (ELINT) tasks.

Photograph of the Leonardo C-27J Tactical Transport Aircraft
The C-27J Spartan Next Generation tactical transport aircraft (Image Credit: Leonardo)

Physical and Cyber Security for Critical Infrastructure

Finally, Leonardo will be presenting its technology platforms to ensure the physical and cyber security of critical infrastructures. In particular, it will display solutions that can collect and correlate data from fixed and mobile sensors in the field, along with intelligence information on cyber threats and data from cybersecurity monitoring and management, for next-generation control rooms and platforms for the virtualization and simulation of real infrastructures, for training in cyber attack and defense and for testing the resilience of cyber-physical equipment.

Photograph of a Leonardo SOC
Leonardo Physical and Cyber Security Operations Center (Image Credit: Leonardo)

For more information, visit Leonardo SEAFUTURE.

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Post Image- Leonardo’s Naval Technologies (Image Credit: Leonardo)