Eurosatory 2026: LVRM reveals latest armoured vehicles to support Italian Army modernisation
The new Italian MBT has a turret armed with a 120mm smoothbore gun fed by an automatic loader which has enabled the turret crew to be reduced to just two. (Photo: author)
Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRVM) presented two new tracked armoured fighting vehicles (AFV) at Eurosatory 2026, which are being positioned as the potential future backbone of the Italian Army as it looks to modernise and replace ageing platforms.
The first of these was the New Main Battle Tank (NMBT), being developed to eventually replace the current deployed Ariete MBT.
The NMBT shown at Eurosatory had a similar hull to the German Rheinmetall Panther KF51 first shown in Paris four years ago, which has already been adopted by Hungary.
The new platform features a brand-new turret armed with a Leonardo 120mm L55 smoothbore gun,
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Country-focused updates
-
Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme
By moving most of the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine supply chain into Canada, Babcock Canada is driving to strengthen sovereign sustainment capabilities while preparing to compete to maintain the future Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
-
FIA 2026: Bell highlights MOSA-driven growth path for MV-75 Cheyenne
Bell Flight’s modular open-systems approach for the US Army’s MV-75 Cheyenne could open doors for international allies and suppliers once locked out by closed rotorcraft architectures.
-
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
-
From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia
As his final engagement before leaving his post as the head of the British defence staff for Southeast Asia and defence adviser to Singapore, Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen spoke with Shephard about maritime security, cyber cooperation and long-term partnerships.
-
Australia’s SM-2 land trial could reshape ADF medium-range air defence plans
The first ground launch of the SM-2 could offer Canberra a path to expand its missile defence capability by adapting systems already fielded across the ADF.