In multi-domain threat environments, radar systems demand a seamless detection-to-response cycle. Leonardo’s KRONOS® Power Shield is a L/D-Band multifunction AESA radar integrating advanced Fully Digital Antenna technology with scalable Digital Active Tiles (DATs). It delivers precision Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) and wide-area surveillance as an early-warning system, directly supporting cueing for Fire Control Radars (FCRs) against tactical ballistic missiles (TBMs) and air-breathing threats (ABTs). Featuring a modular, software-defined architecture, KRONOS® Power Shield enables multi-mission operations, advanced ECCM resilience, and adaptability to evolving requirements, ensuring sustained tactical readiness in complex operational theatres.
Comprehensive Ballistic Missile Defence
KRONOS® Power Shield provides integrated Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD), unifying Early Warning, Tactical Ballistic Missile (TBM) Surveillance within a single system. Its expansive coverage enables early detection of ascending TBMs, updating the tactical picture and effectively cueing Fire Control Radars (FCRs). During defensive operations, the system’s high data rate and superior detection accuracy ensure timely tracking of descending TBMs, supporting strategic area defence. Tailored for modern naval forces, KRONOS® Power Shield significantly enhances situational awareness and response effectiveness, serving as an indispensable asset for state-of-the-art fleet protection.
Modular Radar Architecture for Multi-Mission Excellence
At the core of KRONOS® Power Shield’s Fully Digital Antenna lies its Digital Active Tiles (DATs), elevating naval radar capabilities through a scalable, modular design. Each DAT integrates a complete digital radar chain per radiating element, facilitating element-level waveform generation and broadband ADC. With over 1,000 elements grouped into DATs, the architecture achieves granular control and enhanced detection accuracy while enabling adaptive scanning modes. This distributed design supports multi-mission functionality, from ballistic missile tracking to wide-area surveillance, without compromising operational flexibility. The system’s adaptable structure evolves with emerging threats, ensuring naval forces maintain tactical readiness in dynamic environments.
Future-Proof Adaptability for Evolving Threat Landscapes
Built on a robust software-defined architecture, KRONOS® Power Shield delivers future-proof adaptability. It features full digital transmission (Tx) and reception (Rx) at the single-element level, providing superior electronic counter-countermeasure (ECCM) capabilities, advanced clutter suppression, and adaptive digital beamforming (ADBF) for optimal contested-environment performance. Stared antenna operation extends radar functionality, while integrated space surveillance capabilities broaden its operational reach. Engineered to meet current and future mission requirements, the system ensures versatile flexibility, operational reliability, and consistent performance for advanced naval defence strategies.
Technical data
RADAR ARCHITECTURE
Radar Type: Multifunctional, full Digital Beam Forming (DBF)
Antenna Type: AESA with GaN technology
Frequency Band: L-Band / D-Band
Scanning Technology: Electronically scanned (±45° azimuth, 0–90° elevation)
Operational Modes: Rotating and stared
DETECTION & TRACKING
Instrumented Range: 400 km (ABT); 1,500 km (TBM)
Search Volume: 360° or sector-based
Elevation Coverage: 70° (search mode), 90° (tracking mode)
Simultaneous Tracks: >1,000
Update Time: 4 seconds (rotating), 1 second (stared mode)
ANTENNA & ROTATION
Rotation Speed: 15 rpm (4-second scan time)
IFF Antenna: Co-mounted
LOGISTICAL & TECHNICAL FEATURES
Cooling: Liquid cooled
Weight (Above Deck): 7 tons
Maintenance: Fully indoor
System Status: Under contract