In Europe, trend continues of creating anti-aircraft gun systems for relatively cheap countermeasures against cruise missiles and strike drones. This time image appeared in metal of Italian Hystrix 40 ADS from Leonardo.
Photograph was published by observer @NichoConcu on social media X (formerly Twitter). He notes air defense system was spotted during testing. Other details are not yet provided. Vehicle itself looks almost identical to previously published renders.
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Defense Express notes that thus Italy may receive another Shahed-killer. However important nuance exists here, as Italian armed forces already have gun-based air defense — stationary German Skynex systems, which Italian industry also manufactures.
However Leonardo's development is mobile, which may give it chance to receive orders from Italian military. Plus this involves specifically local product, which may also earn political points when ordering in addition to meeting armed forces needs.
Hystrix 40 ADS was developed by Leonardo using quite simple principle: integrate electro-optical targeting station into Marlin 40 naval turret with 40mm gun and install everything onto truck, in this case Iveco with 8x8 wheel configuration.
This way development can be accelerated using already serial solution, and potentially even simplifying and cheapening production. Leonardo announced work on this system in February 2026.
Regarding Hystrix 40 ADS, known is it will be able to fire 40mm programmable-detonation rounds, or standard high-explosive fragmentation ammunition. Fire rate will be 300 rounds per minute, while ammunition load was declared at only 72 rounds.
Recall previously similar idea of converting naval gun into anti-aircraft system was used in Tridon Mk2 from BAE Systems. It already has orders for Sweden and within military assistance for Ukraine. It should arrive to Armed Forces of Ukraine during this year.
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