Leonardo Unveils Innovative Maritime Solutions at SEAFUTURE Event

As a crucial ally of the Italian Navy and among the limited number of global companies offering a full spectrum of naval security solutions, Leonardo possesses extensive capabilities that enable it to function across all operational sectors, including space and cyber protection. This capability stems from its established proficiency and ongoing investment in research and development, which constituted 14% of revenues in 2022.

Roma, 31/05/2023 – From 5 to 8 June, Leonardo will participate in the eighth SEAFUTURE, Italy’s premier event for the maritime sector, blue economy, naval forces, and governmental bodies. Within the premises of the La Spezia Naval Base, Leonardo will showcase innovations to meet the needs of contemporary navies while also safeguarding the maritime ecosystem, increasingly crucial for the economic and security interests of nations.

New offerings highlighted in La Spezia, where the ‘Polo Nazionale della Subacquea’ (National Diving Centre) under the supervision of the Italian Navy will soon be inaugurated, include the ATHENA Mk2/U Combat Management System (CMS) multifunctional console, designed by Leonardo in collaboration with the Italian Navy. This system will be integrated aboard the Armed Forces’ next-generation U212 NFS (Near Future Submarines). The ATHENA Mk2/U CMS’s multi-touch graphical human-machine interface will facilitate efficient and user-friendly access to the system’s functionalities and agile management of operational scenarios and information from various onboard sensors, bolstered by augmented reality.

The ATHENA Mk2/U CMS is an advanced technology in Leonardo’s naval portfolio, developed from the CMS currently utilized in surface vessels. It leverages the company’s two-decade experience in Command and Control. By utilizing sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms extensively, the new system will furnish operators with a comprehensive tactical picture and situational awareness of the operational environment, facilitating swift mission planning and execution. Leonardo is also engaged in the production of light and heavy torpedoes, anti-torpedo systems, countermeasures, and sonar for the underwater domain to enhance the effectiveness of platforms participating in Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) operations.

In addition to the aforementioned technologies, Leonardo’s naval offerings, already selected by over 70 navies globally, encompass artillery systems, such as the modular turrets in the LIONFISH series displayed in La Spezia, alongside radars, sensors, mission, and communication systems, fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft—both manned and unmanned—security solutions that defend critical infrastructures against cyber threats, and missile systems (via a 25% stake in MBDA).

The KRONOS Power Shield (Advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array – AESA), designed by Leonardo for ballistic missile defense, will be a key feature of SEAFUTURE 2023. The sensor, functioning in L-Band, boasts a detection range of up to 1,500 kilometers. With over 500 helicopters operational in nearly 40 nations for maritime missions, the company presents a broad spectrum of models tailored for multi-mission and specialized tasks. This includes the AW139, the top-selling twin-engine helicopter in its category, with more than 1,100 helicopters in service, and the 16-ton class AW101 helicopter.

In the unmanned systems category, Leonardo will spotlight the AWHERO. This platform exemplifies the pinnacle of 200 kg rotary UAS, specifically engineered for naval missions by leveraging Leonardo’s extensive experience and premier technologies. AWHERO’s modular design allows for compatibility with a diverse array of sensors, including Leonardo’s Gabbiano Ultra-Light radar, essential for maintaining superiority in maritime surveillance. AWHERO stands as the sole UAS in its classification with military certification, assuring the utmost reliability and mission preparedness.

The C-27J tactical transport aircraft, already widely deployed in demanding operational situations, is also showcased in La Spezia. The C-27J Spartan Next Generation features state-of-the-art avionics with a five-screen multifunctional color glass cockpit, tactical mission radar, and advanced communication systems. With a variety of easily deployable roll-on/roll-off mission kits, the C-27J can be swiftly adapted for MPA (Maritime Patrol), ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare), and C3ISR (Command-Control-Communications, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) roles. Technologies presented will similarly include the ATR 72 MP, capable of undertaking multifaceted roles such as monitoring maritime traffic corridors, safeguarding fishing operations, combating smuggling and drug trafficking, patrolling Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs), and conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. The aircraft can also execute transport, anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (AsuW), and electronic intelligence (ELINT) functions.

Finally, Leonardo will unveil its technological platforms aimed at ensuring the physical and cyber security of critical infrastructures. Specifically, it will showcase solutions capable of gathering and correlating data from both fixed and mobile sensors in the field, along with intelligence on cyber threats and data from cyber monitoring and management systems, for next-generation control centers and platforms designed for the virtualization and simulation of real infrastructures, enabling training in cyber attack and defense and testing resilience of cyber-physical systems.