The Organisation for Joint Armament Co-operation has announced the successful completion of factory acceptance trials for the fourth Kronos radar, specifically designed for the Italian variant of the SAMP/T NG (new-generation) air and missile defense system. This significant testing event occurred at Leonardo’s Fusaro facility in Italy, where the radar’s features and performance were rigorously evaluated.
Ordered in 2021, this trial marks an important intermediate milestone in the SAMP/T NG program, which is set to be delivered to the Italian Armed Forces in the coming years.
The Kronos Grand Mobile High Power K6 radar operates in the C-band and serves as a multi-functional radar capable of air and missile surveillance and defense. It is engineered to be effective in both land and littoral environments. The radar boasts impressive specifications, including a detection and tracking range exceeding 250 kilometers (155 miles) and a surveillance range larger than 300 kilometers (186 miles).
One of the key features of the Kronos radar is its Active Electronically Scanned Array Antenna, which enhances its capabilities in detecting, tracking, classifying threats, and guiding missiles against multiple targets simultaneously. Developer Leonardo states that the radar can manage multiple target tracking with an update rate of up to one second, making it particularly suitable for engaging highly maneuverable targets.
Italy has ordered a total of 10 SAMP/T NG systems to significantly bolster its interception capabilities against a range of threats, including hypersonic missiles. Each SAMP/T NG battery is structured to include up to six launchers, each equipped with eight Aster missiles, a multi-functional radar, and a dedicated engagement module.
Notably, France has also placed an order for the SAMP/T NG, utilizing a version that integrates the Thales Ground Fire 300 radar. This variant features a reported interception range of over 150 kilometers (93 miles) and includes enhancements aimed at intercepting hypersonic missiles, reflecting the growing global emphasis on advanced air and missile defense technologies.
