The battlefield is being reshaped by the rapid proliferation of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS). Today, a low-cost drone can threaten—or even destroy—military assets worth millions, fundamentally changing the economics of modern warfare. Yet the challenge extends far beyond the drone itself, as every new countermeasure is quickly met with a counter-countermeasure, creating an unrelenting cycle of adaptation between attacker and defender.
To address this evolving threat landscape, Leonardo has significantly expanded its investment in advanced Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (C-UAS) technologies, developing a comprehensive portfolio that covers the entire operational chain—from detection and tracking to identification and defeat. These multi-domain, interoperable capabilities are based on an open architecture, enabling seamless integration with third-party systems and existing assets.
Multi-Domain Falcon Shield C-UAS (hereinafter abbreviated to “Falcon Shield”) is Leonardo’s operationally-proven C-UAS ecosystem, available in fixed, containerised and mobile configurations. Since entering service with the Royal Air Force in 2018, the UK military version of Falcon Shield called Orcus has protected deployed forces on operations, critical infrastructure and high-profile events. This system is also in use by the Italian Armed Forces, where it is known as ACUS-E, and by the Canadian Armed Forces. Discussions are also underway with other international customers, demonstrating the system’s maturity and adaptability across a wide range of operational scenarios worldwide.
Effective counter-drone operations begin with timely detection. Leonardo combines complementary sensing technologies to maximise situational awareness. The Nerio family electro-optical and infrared system delivers long-range visual detection, tracking and identification with exceptional precision—a capability that both UK and Italian Ministries of Defence have described as “world-leading”. Alongside it, the Tactical Multi-Mission Radar (TMMR), a compact software-defined AESA C-band radar, detects and tracks small, fast-moving and highly manoeuvrable aerial targets even in challenging environments. Furthermore, a passive sensing technologies complete the detection Leonardo’s portfolio.
Detection, however, is only the first step. Defeating increasingly sophisticated drones requires a layered mix of non-kinetic and kinetic effectors. Leonardo’s Guardian RF (Radio Frequency) Directed Energy Weapon disrupts command-and-control links while denying access to the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), effectively preventing hostile drones from completing their mission.
Where kinetic engagement is required, Leonardo leverages decades of expertise in air-defence through technologies such as Hystrix, a reactive, multi-layered system that can operate independently or as part of a broader ground-based air-defence architecture. Hystrix incorporates proven technologies derived from Leonardo’s naval systems—including the 76/62 Overdeck, Marlin 40 and 30 mm weapon systems—adapted to provide highly effective land-based protection. Hystrix includes the new Leonardo 30mm X-Gun, a compact, lightweight, ITAR-free and mechanically fed weapon system designed to be highly effective against a wide range of asymmetric threats, also thanks to the integration of air-burst munitions and ammunition with programmable fuses.
The company’s portfolio also reflects the growing importance of directed-energy technologies. Leonardo’s Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW) offers a precise and scalable solution for defeating mini and micro UAS at ranges beyond one kilometre, complementing traditional kinetic effectors while reducing the cost per engagement.
Bringing these capabilities together is Leonardo’s advanced Command and Control (C2) system, the digital backbone of the entire C-UAS SAPIENT compliant architecture. Developed in close cooperation with operational users, it fuses data from multiple sensors, coordinates engagement activities in real time and presents operators with an intuitive operational picture that supports rapid and informed decision-making. The system is complemented by SkyTender, a mission planning and assessment tool that simulates operational scenarios, sensors, effectors and threats to optimise deployment and mission effectiveness before operations even begin.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning are increasingly central to this architecture. By enhancing target detection, improving classification and supporting threat evaluation and weapon assignment, AI enables faster and more effective responses to complex operational scenarios. Human operators, however, remain firmly in control of the engagement process, ensuring that technology augments—rather than replaces—human decision-making.
As unmanned systems continue to evolve, so too must the technologies designed to defeat them. In a battlespace where adaptation has become the defining characteristic of modern conflict, the ability to integrate sensors, effectors and decision-support tools into a single, coherent architecture is no longer simply an advantage—it is rapidly becoming an operational necessity.
