RID Rivista Italiana Difesa – KNDS and Leonardo announce the top of negotiations for a partnership. New vistas open for wagon and AICS

With an official press launch, first KNDS after which Leonardo introduced the top of negotiations to formalize the partnership which must be the results of the LoI (Letter of Intent) signed by the 2 firms in December -last 12 months

The primary goal of this partnership must be the LEOPARD 2 A8 tank and its provide to the EI (but in addition the AICS program, an armored fight system, additionally for the EI). In follow, the 2 firms haven’t reached an settlement concerning the Italianization of the automobile, which can be anticipated by the approval order of this system authorized by the Italian Parliament. Higher to say, as clearly said within the press launch, KNDS didn’t need to contact the standing of LEOPARD 2 by “defending its configuration”: a alternative, we’ll let you know, frankly questionable contemplating the commitments and order 8 billion. However we’ll speak about them in additional element.

At this level, new vistas confide in get a brand new battle tank, in addition to the AICS.

As for the MBT, essentially the most credible candidate appears to be the PANTHER, unveiled by Rheinmetall in 2022 throughout Eurosatory: a tank created primarily based on multi-habitat necessities, designed for integration with drones and loitering, with weight that might be kind of. the proper one and which gives a wonderful progress margin. Between the traces of the KNDS press launch, nonetheless, we clearly learn the intention to supply the LEOPARD 2 A8 to the EI as is (“However KNDS stays dedicated to supporting the Italian Military”). We’ll see.

For AICS, nonetheless, the candidates are nonetheless the “improved” CV-90 from BAE Techniques and the LYNX from Rheinmetall itself. It’s clear, nonetheless, {that a} PANTHER/LYNX “ticket” would make numerous sense in these circumstances, with good progress alternatives for the Italian and European land protection sector, and with an vital end in working phrases for the EI. In his press launch Leonardo talks about “collaboration with different worldwide accredited companions”.

Extra updates within the subsequent few hours.

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