Italian arms maker Leonardo promptly identified an alternative partner after terminating negotiations with the Franco-German organization KNDS. The negotiations had been initiated in December with the intention of cooperatively executing the Italian procurement program” of at least 132 Leopard 2A8 battle tanks.
In early July, the Italian company and the German weapons maker Rheinmetall announced their intention to establish a 50-50 joint venture headquartered in Italy. This venture will be responsible for the development of a “new battle tank” and a “new Lynx platform” as part of the Italian Army’s [Esercito Italiano] AICS [Armored Infantry Combat System] program.
The Italian Ministry of Defense has not yet retracted its decision to order Leopard 2A8s and has not made any official announcement regarding the type of infantry combat vehicles [ICVs] it intends to acquire. However, it is likely merely a matter of time.
In the interim, Roberto Cingolani, the CEO of the Italian group, confirmed in an interview with Defense News that the joint venture between Leonardo and Rheinmetall would be operational by September and that contracts would be signed with the Ministry of Defense before the end of the year.
Leonardo’s CEO announced that the production process for new military vehicles will be expedited in response to the Italian army’s imperative needs. According to him, the company’s objective is to deliver the initial KF-41 “Lynx” and KF-51 “Panther” vehicles within the next two to three years.
The CEO indicated that a resolution was imminent concerning the previously contentious issue of industrial sharing, which had resulted in a collapse in negotiations with KNDS. Rheinmetall will be responsible for approximately 40% of the labor, as Mr. Cingolani detailed the proposed workload distribution. Leonardo would assume 50% of the remaining 60%, while Rheinmetall’s Italian subsidiary would have 10% of the responsibility.
In particular, Rheinmetall will be accountable for the chassis, running gear, tracks, transmission, and powertrain of the KF-51 Panther. Conversely, Leonardo will be responsible for the electronics and the turret, as they possess the necessary expertise.
The decision regarding the main gun for the new vehicles remains unresolved, as Rheinmetall has proposed two alternatives: a 120 mm model and a 130 mm variant. This latter is in competition with the ASCALON 140 mm cannon from KNDS France for the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), a collaborative project between France and Germany in which Italy is considering participating. This prospective collaboration is in accordance with the previously expressed desire for more intense conversations between KNDS and Leonardo.
Mr. Cingolani suggested that the KF-51 Panther could be a formidable competitor in the context of the MGCS project, provided that it meets the criteria for cost-effectiveness and cutting-edge technology. He emphasized the limited global market for sophisticated and intricate machinery, implying that manufacturers may be able to leverage synergies. This perspective underscores the importance of collaboration and efficacy in the development of future combat vehicles.
HITFACT MkII
Leonardo developed the HITFACT MkII, which is NATO-qualified and currently in production. It is state-of-the-art in terms of connectivity, survivability, and firepower. The MkII, the most recent model in the HITFACT family, is distinguished by its completely digital optronic sensor suite, upgraded survivability, and electric turret drives, collectively providing safety and performance. Over 500 units have already been put into service with armed forces worldwide.
The turret’s adaptable design enables it to be incorporated with either 105/52 mm rifled or 120/45 mm smoothbore low recoil force guns. This permits the utilization of all NATO standard ammunition, as well as the most recent kinetic energy and multipurpose cartridges. Depending on user requirements, the turret can be integrated with command and control, navigation, and net-centric communications to enhance situational awareness, while high ballistic protection and a counter-IED system enhance survivability in challenging environments.
The HITFACT MkII is capable of being installed on light-wheeled vehicles and medium tanks, providing them with firepower equivalent to a Main Battle Tank while also maintaining mobility and delivering pinpoint accuracy, thanks to a turret frame made from a high-performance ballistic alloy and a low recoil force gun. The turret employs the most recent technologies to simplify the integration process onto both wheeled and tracked platforms, drawing on the knowledge gained from operational theaters and extreme environmental conditions.