---
title: "Italy Creates Hystrix 40 ADS Air Defense System by Bringing Naval Guns Ashore"
description: "Leonardo has developed the Hystrix 40 ADS mobile air defense system by mounting a Marlin 40 naval gun on an Iveco chassis to counter drones and missiles."
date: 2026-10-03T10:16:47.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/italy-creates-hystrix-40-ads-air-defense
tags: [leonardo, air-defense, hystrix-40-ads, italy, marlin-40]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Italy Creates Hystrix 40 ADS Air Defense System by Bringing Naval Guns Ashore

![Leonardo's Hystrix 40 ADS self-propelled anti-aircraft system during trials](https://xab.info/media/2026/10/03/italiya-sozdala-pvo-hystrix-40-ads/italiya-sozdala-pvo-hystrix-40-ads-1.webp)

## 🎯 Key Points

- Italian company Leonardo created the Hystrix 40 ADS mobile air defense system based on the Marlin 40 naval gun.
- The installation is mounted on an Iveco 8x8 truck chassis and uses 40mm programmable ammunition.
- The development aims to enhance drone and missile defense while offering high mobility compared to stationary complexes.

Italian defense company Leonardo has unveiled an innovative air defense development — the mobile anti-aircraft artillery system Hystrix 40 ADS. This unit is built on the basis of the well-known 40mm Marlin 40 naval gun, which has been integrated along with an optical sighting station onto the chassis of an Iveco 8x8 truck. The idea of adapting proven naval guns for ground needs significantly accelerates development and reduces equipment production costs.

### Background and Project Concept

Amid modern military conflicts in Europe, the demand for inexpensive and effective anti-air assets capable of successfully countering cruise missiles and attack unmanned aerial vehicles is growing rapidly. Research and practical implementation of the Hystrix 40 ADS project started quite recently, in February 2026. By utilizing readily available mass-produced components, engineers managed to create a working solution in a short time, which was spotted by observers during trials.

### Technical Specifications and Mobility

The Hystrix 40 ADS self-propelled anti-aircraft gun is armed with a 40mm weapon capable of firing both conventional fragmentation and modern programmable ammunition. The system's rate of fire reaches 300 rounds per minute, and the ammunition load is 72 rounds. Unlike the stationary German Skynex systems, which are also produced in Italy, Leonardo's new product boasts high mobility, making it more attractive for maneuverable ground forces units.

### International Context and Analogues

A similar approach to converting naval artillery systems into ground-based anti-aircraft complexes is not unprecedented. Previously, a similar concept was implemented by BAE Systems with its Tridon Mk 2 system, which was ordered by Sweden and sent as military aid to Ukraine. Nevertheless, the Italian development has excellent prospects in the domestic market due to domestic production, giving Leonardo significant political and economic advantages when securing defense contracts.

## 🔍 Fact-Check Verification

- [Италия создала систему противовоздушной обороны Hystrix 40 ADS, доставив на берег корабельные орудия.](https://www.vietnam.vn/ru/y-tao-ra-he-thong-phong-khong-hystrix-40-ads-bang-cach-dua-phao-ham-len-bo) - Основной источник фактуры по проекту Leonardo.
- [Special Report: Leonardo offers air-defence systems derived from naval turrets](https://www.janes.com/defence-intelligence-insights/defence-news/weapons/special-report-leonardo-offers-air-defence-systems-derived-from-naval-turrets) - Анализ концепции интеграции морских башен в наземные ПВО.
- [Ý tạo ra hệ thống phòng không Hystrix 40 ADS bằng cách... đưa pháo hạm lên bờ](https://soha.vn/y-tao-ra-he-thong-phong-khong-hystrix-40-ads-bang-cach-dua-phao-ham-len-bo-198261003090358069.htm) - Детали испытаний и характеристики пушки Marlin 40.
- [З корабельної гармати у зенітку проти дронів - в металі помітили італійську систему ППО Hystrix 40 ADS ...](https://defence-ua.com/news/z_korabelnoji_garmati_u_zenitku_proti_droniv_v_metali_pomitili_italijsku_sistemu_ppo_hystrix_40_ads_vid_leonardo-24399.html) - Сведения о шасси Iveco и сравнение с аналогичными системами.

## ❓ FAQ

### Q: What gun is used in the Hystrix 40 ADS system?
**A:** The system is based on the 40mm Marlin 40 naval gun.

### Q: What chassis is the anti-aircraft mount installed on?
**A:** The installation is placed on an Iveco 8x8 truck chassis.