Italy’s air defence modernisation programme has taken an important step forward as the fourth Kronos GM HP radar successfully passed its Factory Acceptance Tests (FAT). The tests were conducted at Leonardo’s advanced facilities in Fusaro / Arco Felice, Italy, with the supervision of experts from OCCAR (Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation).
This radar is a crucial component of Italy’s SAMP/T NG (Sol-Air Moyenne Portée/Terrestre New Generation) air defence system. The new-generation system is designed to protect against a wide range of airborne threats, including tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, fighter aircraft, helicopters, and drones.
The Kronos GM HP radar, developed by Italian defence firm Leonardo, is part of the FSAF-PAAMS (Family of Surface-to-Air Anti-Missile Systems - Principal Anti-Air Missile System) programme led by OCCAR, with the production contract awarded to EUROSAM in 2021.
About Kronos GM HP Radar
The Kronos GM HP (Ground Mobile High Power) is a state-of-the-art, multifunctional radar system equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) antenna. This advanced technology allows the radar to perform multiple roles at once — from air surveillance to threat detection and missile guidance.
Key Specifications & Features:
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Radar Type: Ground-based, multifunctional, high-performance AESA radar
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Frequency Band: C-band operation for wide area surveillance
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Antenna Type: AESA with solid-state transceivers
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Coverage:
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360° azimuth coverage
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Long-range detection for both air-breathing targets and tactical ballistic missiles
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Functions:
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Simultaneous air surveillance, tracking, target classification, and missile guidance
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Capable of handling multiple threats of various types at once
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Range:
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Able to detect and track a variety of airborne threats including ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs over long distances
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Mobility:
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Rapid deployability with the ability to operate from different locations as required by military operations
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Importance for the SAMP/T NG System
The SAMP/T NG is Europe’s next-generation mobile air defence system, jointly developed by France and Italy under the FSAF-PAAMS framework. It aims to provide enhanced protection for military forces and key infrastructure against evolving airborne threats.
The successful FAT of the fourth radar (unit K6) is an important intermediate milestone. It ensures that the production remains on schedule and meets the performance benchmarks required for delivery to the Italian Armed Forces in the coming years.
According to OCCAR, numerous tests were conducted to evaluate the radar’s full range of operational capabilities. These included assessments of detection accuracy, tracking stability, target classification, and its integration with the SAMP/T NG fire control system.
What Comes Next
With this milestone achieved, the production and testing of remaining radars for Italy’s SAMP/T NG systems will continue, keeping the programme on track for deployment. The addition of these cutting-edge Kronos GM HP radars will significantly strengthen Italy’s ability to monitor and counter modern aerial and missile threats, contributing to the country’s national and NATO-aligned air defence posture.
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