Joint Venture Receives Regulatory Approval
The recent joint venture between Rheinmetall AG and Leonardo SpA, Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), has received regulatory approval from the Federal Cartel Office. This joint venture marks an important step in the development of a new Italian main battle tank and infantry fighting vehicle, both of which are expected to be built in Italy.
KF51 Panther Enters Production
In addition to the joint venture, the KF51 Panther, a new German battle tank presented by Rheinmetall in June 2022, is actually entering production. Although it is based on the old hull of the Leopard 2, the KF51 Panther features the latest electronics and weapons technology.
Companies Collaborate on Tank Production
The Italian defense company Leonardo has joined forces with Rheinmetall and Iveco Defense Vehicles (IDV) to build a new main battle tank based on the KF51 Panther. IDV has been announced as a partner in the project, supplying parts for the joint tank project, with a value of 12 to 15 percent of the total activities of the Rheinmetall and Leonardo joint venture.
Italy Invests Billions in New Tanks
Italy has announced plans to invest 8.2 billion euros between 2025 and 2038 on the purchase of tanks and renewing its ground forces. The newly founded company Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) is expected to become the most important armaments partner in this project.
Two Major Tasks for LRMV
Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) has two major tasks:
* Build a new Italian main battle tank to replace the existing Ariete main battle tank
* Build a new armored personnel carrier based on the Lynx from Rheinmetall
Plans for Export
Both the KF51-based main battle tank built in Italy and the new Lynx-based infantry fighting vehicle are planned for export, provided there are buyers for them. This makes the modified KF51 a direct competitor for the Main Ground Combat System from KNDS, the German-French project that is intended to develop the successor to the German Leopard 2 and the French Leclerc.