EDA seeks industry input on MBT optimisation
The European Defence Agency (EDA) is seeking European defence industry input on main battle tank (MBT) optimisation as part of the OMBT-Leo2 project it launched in spring 2017.
The OMBT-Leo2 project is a new pooling and sharing initiative which aims to optimise existing MBT capabilities in Europe with an initial focus on the Leopard 2A4. Surplus vehicles will be leased, rented or sold between member states looking to introduce the capability with the option of an upgrade package. The pooling and sharing of training, exercises and maintenance between providers and receivers, using existing facilities, is also a part of the concept.
The EDA is building a business case based on the upgrading of Leopard 2A4 platforms to the latest configuration (2A7). For this purpose, the agency has issued a request for information (RFI) to the AeroSpace and Defence Industries Association of Europe and national defence industry associations of EU countries, encouraging the European defence industry to create cross-border industrial partnerships.
The business case is expected to provide information on the cost and content of the integrated logistics support package provided by industrial partners covering recurring/scheduled maintenance and estimated figures for the life cycle costs of the upgraded tanks.
With EDA support, interested member states will have the option to acquire or upgrade to this upgraded version of the tanks.
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