ROME — Italy’s defense and aerospace group Leonardo presented plans on Thursday for a new multi-layered air defense system, as European countries continue to step up military capabilities to bolster defenses against Russia and other threats.

The “Michelangelo Dome” is designed to protect critical infrastructure and key areas of national or international interest from threats by connecting different platforms and equipment in space, air, on land or at sea.

The system is able to detect, track, intercept and neutralize incoming air threats like rockets, missiles, and drones before they can cause harm and will work similarly to Israel’s Iron Dome, which has been operational since 2011.

“This is a model that is important for security in Italy, Europe and NATO countries in the coming years,” Leonardo chief executive Roberto Cingolani said at the presentation in Rome.

Cingolani said that the state-controlled company would set up a team made up of Leonardo staff and the Italian armed forces to “design an architecture according to the needs of our defense.”

After a partial implementation, Michelangelo will start to be fully operational from 2028. The plans were presented........

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