What does Germany’s new tank joint venture mean for MGCS?
The MGCS concept includes MBTs but the programme may be under threat with Europe look at an alternative tank. (Image: Hensoldt)
Germany is Europe’s leading country for tank manufacture and until this month was committed to the Franco-German Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) which included tanks and other vehicles. Earlier this month, Germany and other European countries set up the Main ARmoured Tank of Europe (MARTE) project casting a shadow over the MGCS.
The recent announcement of the formation of the MARTE, a joint venture headed by Germany’s Rheinmetall Landsysteme and KNDS Deutschland, raises a significant number of questions on future Main Battle Tank (MBT) development in Europe.
Both of these German contractors are already engaged in the larger and more complex MGCS, a Franco-German project to develop a new MBT to replace the currently deployed French Leclerc and the German Leopard 2 MBTs. It also includes other armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), tracked and wheeled.
It is not the first effort by the two countries to jointly create a tank. KNDS presented
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Why bridging the gap between military and COTS systems is key to seamless defence comms (Studio)]()
Why bridging the gap between military and COTS systems is key to seamless defence comms (Studio)
Technology that enables armed forces to leverage existing network infrastructure can be a game-changer in many combat scenarios.
-
![Rheinmetall Nordic’s Ragnarok mortar upgrade shows strong integration potential]()
Rheinmetall Nordic’s Ragnarok mortar upgrade shows strong integration potential
The Ragnarok Mortar Mission Module has demonstrated its ability to quickly switch platforms, presenting scope for it to be employed for multiple requirements.
-
![Could an outdated US Army organic industrial base threaten US readiness?]()
Could an outdated US Army organic industrial base threaten US readiness?
The US Army’s organic industrial base still uses World War II production methods and technologies, leading to delays and cost overruns and limiting its ability to produce critical ammunition and maintain its ground fleet in operation.
