Leonardo Launches Lionfish 30 Naval Turret with AI Targeting for Italian Warships

Leonardo has introduced the Lionfish 30, a new-generation remote-controlled naval turret designed to enhance short-range maritime defense with artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled targeting and tracking. As Italy modernizes its naval fleet—including Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs), PPA-class ships, and FREMM frigates—the Lionfish 30 aims to provide a compact yet capable solution for close-in defense against asymmetric threats such as drones and fast attack craft.

Next-Gen Remote Weapon Station with AI Capabilities

The Lionfish 30 is part of Leonardo’s broader Lionfish family of Remote Weapon Stations (RWS), which includes variants mounting 12.7 mm and 20 mm cannons. The new 30 mm version represents a significant leap in lethality and autonomy. It is equipped with an Oerlikon KCE 30 mm automatic cannon—a variant of Rheinmetall’s KAE gun—capable of firing up to 800 rounds per minute.

What sets the Lionfish 30 apart is its integration of advanced electro-optical sensors and artificial intelligence algorithms for automated target acquisition, classification, and tracking. The system can operate autonomously or under operator supervision via a multifunction console. According to Leonardo press materials from Euronaval and Seafuture expos, the AI suite enables rapid engagement cycles against low-observable or high-speed threats like unmanned surface vessels (USVs) or loitering munitions.

The turret also features a stabilized platform with high-precision servo systems that allow accurate firing on moving targets even in rough sea states. Its modular architecture supports plug-and-play integration into combat management systems (CMS) via standard NATO interfaces such as STANAG 4586 or Link-11/16 where applicable.

Platform Integration Across Italian Naval Programs

The Italian Navy is expected to integrate the Lionfish 30 across several current and future platforms as part of its fleet modernization strategy. The most immediate candidate is the second batch of Pattugliatori Polivalenti d’Altura (PPA) vessels—multi-role offshore patrol ships developed under the Legge Navale program.

Additionally, the upcoming class of OPVs being procured under Italy’s Defense Planning Document (DPP) for 2023–2025 will likely feature the system as a primary close-in weapon system (CIWS). These vessels are intended for operations in littoral zones where asymmetric threats are prevalent—making autonomous response capability critical.

Retrofitting opportunities also exist aboard existing FREMM frigates during mid-life upgrades. While these ships currently use heavier CIWS like the OTO Melara DART-equipped guns or Phalanx systems in some cases, the lighter footprint of the Lionfish makes it suitable for secondary mounts or unmanned surface vessel defense roles.

Key Technical Features of the Lionfish 30

Main Armament: Oerlikon KCE / Rheinmetall KAE-derived gas-operated cannon
Ammunition Types: Airburst HEI-T, APFSDS-T, programmable rounds
Fire Rate: Up to ~800 rounds/minute
Sensors: Integrated EO/IR suite with thermal imager and laser rangefinder
Targeting: AI-assisted automatic target recognition & tracking
Stabilization: Two-axis gyro-stabilized mount for high sea state operation
Crew Interface: Remote console operation; optional manual override
C4I Integration: NATO-compatible data links; CMS-ready architecture
Sustainability: Designed for low maintenance; sealed electronics compartment; corrosion-resistant materials

The use of airburst munitions further enhances effectiveness against drone swarms by enabling proximity detonation patterns optimized by onboard fire-control software.

Tactical Role in Littoral Defense and Anti-Asymmetric Warfare

The rise in asymmetric maritime threats—particularly drone boats used by non-state actors or proxy forces—has driven demand for responsive close-in defense systems that don’t rely on large radar signatures or crew-intensive operation. The Lionfish 30 fits this doctrinal shift by offering fast-reacting autonomous engagement within visual range (<3 km).

This makes it ideal not only for blue-water warships but also smaller patrol craft operating near contested coastlines such as Libya or Eastern Mediterranean flashpoints. Its ability to detect small radar cross-section targets using EO/IR rather than radar alone reduces electromagnetic signature while maintaining situational awareness in cluttered environments.

The turret can also be installed on unmanned surface platforms (USVs) due to its fully remote-operable nature—a capability Leonardo has hinted at during recent demos involving their SWAD-class USV concepts.

Lionfish Family Growth Reflects Broader RWS Trend

The introduction of the Lionfish 30 aligns Leonardo with global trends toward modular RWS solutions that combine scalable firepower with autonomy. Comparable systems include Rafael’s Typhoon Mk-30c used by Israel and Singapore navies or BAE Systems’ Mk38 Mod4 deployed by U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ships (LCS).

The modularity allows navies to tailor force packages based on threat environment without redesigning entire platforms—a key consideration amid budget constraints across NATO fleets. Moreover, increasing reliance on EO/IR-guided weapons reflects growing concerns over GNSS denial environments where radar-guided CIWS may be degraded.

Outlook: Export Potential Beyond Italy?

While initially focused on domestic programs, Leonardo has positioned the Lionfish family—including this new variant—for export markets across Europe, MENA region, Asia-Pacific littoral states, and Latin America. Countries seeking affordable yet modern coastal defense capabilities may find appeal in its low logistical footprint combined with advanced automation features.

No confirmed foreign customers have been announced yet as of Q1–2025; however, ongoing trials aboard Italian Navy testbeds are expected to conclude later this year—potentially unlocking export clearance windows through Italy’s FMS-like mechanisms managed by Fincantieri-Leonardo consortia.

Sourcing & Development Timeline

Developer: Leonardo S.p.A., Italy
Status: Pre-production prototype unveiled at Seafuture & Euronaval expos in late 2024; production expected H2–2025 onward pending trials completion
Main Partners: Rheinmetall AG (gun technology), Fincantieri (platform integration)
User Trials: In progress aboard PPA-class testbed vessel “Paolo Thaon di Revel” since early Q1–2025 per Italian Navy sources