Rome : Italian defence group Leonardo has unveiled the Hystrix family of land-based air defence and counter-unmanned aerial systems, marking the adaptation of its naval gun technologies for terrestrial air defence roles. The new family consists of two configurations, the Hystrix 40 ADS and the Hystrix 76 ADS, both designed to counter drones, loitering munitions, and low-altitude aerial threats under a centralized command-and-control framework.
The Hystrix systems are fully integrated into Leonardo’s Michelangelo Dome defensive architecture, a modular and scalable air defence framework that links sensors, command elements, and effectors into a unified C5 structure. Within this architecture, gun-based systems form part of a layered defence approach, addressing threats in defined engagement zones before they reach protected assets.
Hystrix Concept and System Architecture
The Hystrix designation, derived from the Latin word for hedgehog, identifies a family of land artillery systems that reuse naval gun designs in static or relocatable land configurations. Leonardo has positioned Hystrix as a gun-based solution that complements missile-based air defence systems, offering sustained fire, rapid reaction, and cost-efficient engagement of aerial threats.
Within the Michelangelo Dome structure, the 76 mm systems form the longer-range gun layer, while the 40 mm systems provide a mid-range engagement layer. Both calibres operate under the same command-and-control logic, allowing coordinated engagements based on threat density, priority, and mission requirements.
Hystrix 40 ADS: Mid-Layer Counter-UAS System
The Hystrix 40 ADS is the mid-layer gun system within the Hystrix family. It is derived from the Marlin 40 naval mount, a system whose lineage traces back to 40 mm gun developments by Oto Melara in the 1950s. More than 850 Marlin 40 mounts are currently in service with around 30 navies worldwide.
For land use, the Hystrix 40 ADS adopts the Independent Line Of Sight (ILOS) configuration, integrating its own electro-optical sensor suite. This enables autonomous detection, tracking, ballistic calculation, engagement, and engagement termination, while remaining compatible with higher-level command-and-control inputs.
A Hystrix 40 ADS prototype is scheduled to be completed before the end of 2026 to support full integration with Michelangelo Dome command-and-control elements. The system provides 360-degree traverse with an elevation range from –20 degrees to +85 degrees. It features training speeds of 120 degrees per second and elevation speeds of 75 degrees per second, both supported by accelerations of 200 degrees per second squared.
In its land configuration, the Hystrix 40 ADS has a dry mass of approximately 2,100 kg, around 100 kg lighter than the naval mount. It carries 72 ready-to-fire rounds, with total ammunition mass of about 180 kg. The gun fires exclusively at its maximum rate of 300 rounds per minute, with full reloading completed in under five minutes.
The sensor suite includes a 6.5 km laser rangefinder, a thermal camera with detection, recognition, and identification ranges of 15 km, 6.8 km, and 3.5 km, and a daylight camera with ranges of 20 km, 9 km, and 4.5 km. The final configuration is expected to integrate the Janus D fully digital sensor, optimized for counter-UAS operations.
The Hystrix 40 ADS can be mounted on flatbed trucks or semitrailers, using hydraulic jacks for autonomous unloading and emplacement. It is compatible with IDV Astra 8×8 vehicles used with SAMP/T and SAMP/T NG systems. Ammunition options include high-explosive incendiary tracer, high-explosive pre-fragmented proximity-fuse rounds, and multifunction programmable ammunition supporting airburst, point-detonating, and combined modes.
Leonardo is cooperating with MBDA Italy to evaluate integration of the Fulgur VSHORAD missile, extending the engagement envelope beyond gun-only range.
Leonardo has previously exported trailer-mounted Marlin 40 ILOS turrets to an unnamed Far East country, with local industry conducting final assembly, and a further army requirement is under discussion.
Hystrix 76 ADS: Long-Range Gun Layer
The Hystrix 76 ADS represents the long-range gun layer within the Michelangelo Dome architecture. It is based on the 76/62 naval gun system in the SovraPonte configuration, avoiding below-deck intrusion and enabling land installation. Development is self-financed by Leonardo.
Designed for fixed or relocatable deployment, the system has a dry mass of approximately 7,000 kg. With 72 rounds loaded, ammunition adds around 900 kg, limiting suitability for mobile vehicle-mounted roles.
The displayed configuration uses a two-axle flatbed trailer with four hydraulic outriggers. A forward container module houses fire-control electronics, communications equipment, and an onboard generator. The current container is a 10-foot standard format, with efforts ongoing to reduce size and weight.
The Hystrix 76 ADS offers 360-degree traverse, an elevation range from –5 to +85 degrees, and dual-feed magazines holding 36 rounds each. The system is remotely operated via a two-way data link, transmitting fire missions and returning system status data, including remaining ammunition.
A prototype is planned before the end of 2026, with initial trials in the same timeframe.
Hystrix 76 ADS Light Variant
The Hystrix 76 ADS Light is under development for 8×8 wheeled or tracked platforms. It has a dry mass below 4,000 kg, operates at a reduced rate of fire of 100 rounds per minute, and carries slightly over 40 rounds with approximately 500 kg of ammunition.
The design reuses components from 76/62 Compact, 76/62 SP, 76/62 SR Super Rapido DF/MF, and the Hitfact MkII land turret. Trials of the standard Hystrix 76 ADS are planned before year’s end, with the Light variant prototype to follow later.
Ammunition and Counter-UAS Performance
Supported ammunition includes HE-PF-IM6-OES (3AP fuse), HE-MOMA1 (4AP fuse), Vulcano 76 BER, and the DART guided munition. Additional Vulcano variants with infrared and semi-active laser seekers are in advanced development.
Use of DART requires the Davide guidance kit, while Davide Plus will add tracking capability and stand-alone operation. Leonardo confirmed existing 76 mm ammunition has demonstrated effectiveness against small drones.
At the La Spezia Navy range, a 4AP proximity fuse detonated within 2–3 metres of a Class 1 drone. Leonardo identified detection and tracking as key limiting factors and cited its C-band Tactical Multi Mission Radar as a supporting sensor. The blast and fragmentation effects of a single 76 mm round were assessed as sufficient to engage multiple drones in a swarm.
Integrated Role Within Michelangelo Dome
Within Michelangelo Dome, Hystrix contributes to a layered defence concept, including a Dead Zone where point-defence effectors engage threats before reaching protected sites.
By adapting naval gun systems for land-based static or relocatable roles, Leonardo aims to reduce development timelines while expanding counter-air and counter-UAS coverage, reinforcing its integrated sensors-to-shooters air defence approach.
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