Italy picks Rheinmetall and Leonardo for MBT and IFV and gives MGCS a boost
Italy’s new MBT will draw upon Rheinmetall’s Panther MBT technology. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
Italy has been looking replace its Ariete MBTs but has gone back and forth between a future European tank, more Leopards, an upgrade of existing vehicles and other options. It now seems to have thrown its hand in with the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
Italy’s Leonardo and Germany’s Rheinmetall have signed an agreement to form a 50:50 joint venture (JV) to develop a new Main Battle Tank (MBT) to replace Ariete and Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS) for the Italian Army.
In a statement, the two companies said the objective of the agreement was the industrial development and subsequent commercialisation of the new MBT and the new Lynx platform for the AICS.
The JV will be the Lead System Integrator, prime contractor and system integrator in both of the Italian programmes and will define the roadmap for the participation in the future European
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Lockheed Martin to look further afield for GMARS rocket system opportunities]()
Lockheed Martin to look further afield for GMARS rocket system opportunities
The HX truck is already in use in many NATO and allied countries around the world as a logistics vehicle and carrier for high-value systems, including missile firing weapons, so its use for the Global Mobile Artillery Rocket System makes logistical sense.
-
![Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion]()
Medium knocked out of British Army LMP, with CAVS as heavyweight champion
As the British Army seeks to modernise and consolidate its diverse vehicle fleet, yet another change in direction is underway.
-
![Energy evolution: How laser defence systems are powering the next phase of air defence (podcast)]()
Energy evolution: How laser defence systems are powering the next phase of air defence (podcast)
Laser-based air defence is moving from promise to deployment as global threats evolve. In this special podcast, we explore how high-energy laser systems are reshaping interception strategies.
