Leonardo tests Hystrix 40 ADS mobile anti-drone system

The Italian defense company Leonardo has been spotted testing its Hystrix 40 ADS, a mobile anti-air defense system designed to counter winged missiles and kamikaze drones. While previous information regarding the system was limited to digital renders, recent images captured during testing show the physical prototype in action.

The Hystrix 40 ADS is built upon a simplified principle: integrating the Marlin 40 naval gun turret, equipped with an optical sighting station, onto an 8x8 Iveco truck chassis. This mobile configuration is intended to provide a cost-effective, high-rate-of-fire solution to complement traditional air defense missiles against low-altitude threats.

This system is part of the broader Hystrix family, which includes the Hystrix 76 ADS for long-range defense and the Hystrix 30 ADS for mid-range protection. Leonardo previously announced its work on the complex in early 2026, with the prototype expected to be ready by late 2026.