Leonardo’s MFRA used during Formidable Shield
Leonardo’s Multi-Function Radar Active (MFRA) system was used by the Italian Navy during Formidable Shield 2019 to detect, classify and track ballistic missiles, the company announced on 5 September.
The system was used on the navy’s Carlo Bergamini FREMM-class frigate during the US Navy-led multinational exercise, demonstrating its ability to detect and track ballistic missiles in scenarios which presented a mixed set of conventional supersonic and ballistic threats.
During an early-warning scenario, the MFRA radar was able to detect and track the launch of the ballistic threat and calculate its expected impact point. This information was then shared with the other participating nations via a NATO-classified network using Leonardo’s Sadoc3 combat management system, allowing an alert to be sent to the impact zone and for the most effective countermeasure to be chosen.
Elsewhere during the exercise, the Leonardo MFRA demonstrated its multi-functionality, performing designation and air surveillance tasks in addition to missile defence. The radar was also able to autonomously detect a ballistic threat near to its point of impact, at a distance which would allow the threat to be neutralised by future missile defence systems.
The MFRA is Leonardo’s first C-band multi-functional Active Electronically Scanned Array naval radar, upon which the company’s KRONOS family of radars is based. KRONOS systems will be on-board the new naval units which are currently under construction for the Italian Navy.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Digital Battlespace
-
![Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces]()
Airbus launches final CSO observation satellite for French Armed Forces
Airbus was awarded the Composante Spatiale Optique (CSO) contract at the end of 2010. This included an option for a third satellite, which was activated after Germany joined the programme in 2015.
-
![Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)]()
Intelligence advantage: How real-time GEOINT is reshaping military decision-making (Studio)
In today’s contested operational environment, adaptability is key. The new Geospatial-Intelligence as a Service (GEO IaaS) solution from Fujitsu and MAIAR empowers militaries by enabling intelligence advantage, combining advanced technology with human expertise to deliver actionable insights.
-
![Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy]()
Israel sets up new department to boost development of AI and autonomy
Israel will continue to develop autonomy for its weapons and platforms as it brings together defence personnel, academia and industry.
-
![Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s]()
Clavister contracted to supply cyber protection for CV90s
Clavister CyberArmour, an integrated defence cybersecurity system, will be used on BAE Systems Hägglunds’ CV90 platform in deployments with a Scandinavian country, as well as in an eastern European nation.
-
![Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch]()
Lockheed Martin completes tactical satellite demonstration and prepares for launch
The tactical satellite (TacSat) is an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) system and will participate in exercises in 2025.
-
![AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family]()
AUSA 2024: General Micro Systems adds four new products to the X9 Spider family
The airborne three-domain, the two ground-based and the ¼ ATR OpenVPX-based cross-domain systems were engineered to provide real-time security across multi-domain operations.
