Leonardo and Rheinmetall Announce Partnership to Develop Ground Defense Systems.

As we said yesterday here, On July 3, 2024, Leonardo and Rheinmetall signed a memorandum of understanding to form a new equal partnership aimed at fostering a European industrial and technological approach in the field of ground defense systems. The collaboration is set to develop two new vehicles: a Main Battle Tank and a Lynx platform for the Armored Infantry Combat System, primarily for the Italian Army with prospects for international export.
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At Eurosatory 2024, Rheinmetall presented their Lynx KF-41 infantry fighting vehicle, now featuring a HITFACT MkII turret (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

Based in Italy, the joint venture will act as the lead system integrator and prime contractor for the Italian programs involving the Main Battle Tank and the Armored Infantry Combat System. It will also outline the roadmap for participation in the future European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).

Leonardo will handle the development and production of mission systems, electronic suites, and weapons integration according to the needs of the Italian client. These technologies will also lay the foundation for the future European Main Battle Tank (MGCS) and new versions intended for international markets. Rheinmetall will provide the core technology for the programs, featuring the newly developed Panther main battle tank and the new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle.

Final assembly lines, homologation testing, delivery activities, and logistic support will all take place in Italy, with an Italian workshare of 60%.

The implementation of the memorandum signed today is subject to approval by relevant regulatory authorities, including the European Commission and national competition authorities.

This partnership between two of Europe’s leading defense technology suppliers aims to set new standards and lead the development of a new generation of state-of-the-art combat vehicles in and for Europe, targeting the Italian market and other partner countries that require modernization of their combat systems.