Leonardo has introduced a new electronic warfare and signals intelligence system that could give troops a quieter way to track enemy activity on the battlefield. The company unveiled Guardian Vantage during the AOC Europe defense event in Finland this week.

The system can detect, identify, and locate hostile electronic emissions from radars, drones, and military communications networks without broadcasting signals of its own. That matters on a modern battlefield where every transmission can expose a position.

Guardian Vantage works by monitoring the electromagnetic spectrum for suspicious activity. Once it detects a signal, the system compares it against a threat library to identify the source and determine how dangerous it may be. Operators can then use that information to track enemy movements, build targeting data, or monitor activity across contested areas.

Electronic warfare has become a central part of modern combat operations. From Ukraine to the Red Sea, militaries now fight as much through sensors, drones, and radio networks as they do through traditional firepower.

Leonardo designed Guardian Vantage to operate inside that environment while keeping friendly forces harder to detect. Because the system works passively, it does not emit signals that could reveal its location. That allows operators to monitor enemy activity while reducing the risk of counter-detection.

The platform can also assemble an electronic order of battle, giving commanders a clearer picture of enemy positions and capabilities in real time. The system prioritizes the most dangerous threats automatically, helping operators focus on immediate risks instead of sorting through large amounts of battlefield data.

Leonardo also integrated artificial intelligence-driven language tools into the platform. Guardian Vantage can reportedly transcribe intercepted radio traffic live and translate foreign-language communications into the operator’s native language.

Built for multiple platforms

The company says Guardian Vantage can operate from land vehicles, naval vessels, shelters, or fixed installations. That flexibility could make the system attractive for militaries looking to expand electronic warfare coverage without building separate solutions for each platform.

Mike Brown, campaign manager at Leonardo, said the system gives commanders a clearer understanding of what adversaries are doing and where they are operating. “Guardian Vantage turns the electromagnetic spectrum into a decisive operational advantage,” Brown said during the unveiling.

Brown added that the platform helps forces understand enemy intent and improve battlefield decision-making speed. He also highlighted the system’s open architecture, which allows customers to modify and upgrade the platform as threats evolve.

Export-friendly design

One detail likely to attract international attention is the system’s export structure. Leonardo says Guardian Vantage carries no ITAR restrictions, potentially simplifying foreign sales and integration compared to some U.S.-controlled defense technologies.

The company developed the platform using components and software from British firms CommsAudit, Esroe, and Mercury. Leonardo says the system builds on more than 60 years of electronic warfare experience.

As militaries place greater emphasis on electromagnetic dominance, systems like Guardian Vantage are becoming increasingly important for surveillance, force protection, and battlefield awareness. The company believes the new platform can help forces operate more effectively in increasingly crowded and contested electromagnetic environments.