Leonardo has introduced its new Lionfish 30 naval turret, an AI-powered remotely operated weapon system developed as part of the Italian Navy’s modernization push.
At its core is the company’s ITAR-free X-GUN, an electrically driven, dual-feed cannon chambered in 30×173mm. The weapon holds over 200 ready rounds in two ammunition boxes and supports a full range of 30mm ammo, including airburst rounds now in development by KNDS.
The turret also integrates the JANUS-D electro-optical director featuring a daylight camera, infrared sensor, and laser rangefinder that can detect targets up to 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) away.
AI algorithms assist with ballistic calculation, target classification, and predictive tracking, bolstering accuracy against drones, helicopters, and fast surface threats.
The Lionfish 30 fires up to 200 rounds per minute in single, burst, or continuous modes. An enclosed loading system also reduces its radar signature and vulnerability, improving survivability in contested environments.
‘Last Line of Defense’
Leonardo designed the Lionfish 30 to secure the “last kilometer of defense,” working alongside the 76/62mm Strales gun and other missile systems in Italy’s layered naval protection network.
Its AI-driven fire control and forthcoming airburst ammunition aim to defeat drone swarms and asymmetric surface threats while conserving ammo.
The new airburst munition, now entering qualification through 2026, will have a programmable time fuse and dual-stage muzzle-velocity control to effectively neutralize both small drones and larger targets.
Next Stop: The Fleet
Unveiled at SeaFuture 2025, the Lionfish 30 joins Leonardo’s family of lightweight weapon systems that includes the Lionfish 20, Ultralight, Inner Reloading, and Top variants.
The system’s modular design allows installation on vessels as small as 25 meters (82 feet) and requires no deck penetration, simplifying integration.
The turret is slated for Italy’s PPX patrol vessels, FREMM EVO frigates, and DDX destroyers, with first production units planned within 12 months.
