Italy plans to create a new generation tank based on the German Panther KF51

An Italian parliamentary committee has approved a military modernization program, with a plan to buy next-generation tanks and modernize the country's ground forces at a cost of 8.2 billion euros. This initiative, led by the government of Prime Minister Georgia Maloney, is part of a long-term strategy aimed at aligning the Italian military with the changing geopolitical needs of Europe and NATO. The program, which runs from 2025 to 2038, aims to gradually increase Italy's military capabilities in response to rising tensions in Europe and strengthening regional security.

According to a Reuters parliamentary document, 5.4 billion euros have already been allocated for the initial stage, and the remaining 2.7 billion euros will be provided through future financing measures. This project underlines Italy's commitment to national and European security in the context of the growing strategic uncertainty facing NATO.

A central component of the program is the introduction of a new main battle tank, described in a parliamentary document as a “heavy component platform”. Although specific companies were not named, it is expected that "Leonardo" and the German group Rheinmetall will play a major role in its creation. This partnership is further strengthened by the recent creation of the Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV) joint venture, which aims to develop modern military vehicles. Sources close to the project suggest that the joint venture will be a key industrial player in the modernization of Italy's military.

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Rheinmetall's Panther KF51 could form the basis of Italy's new main battle tank, designed to replace the aging Ariete tanks, which have been used since the 1990s. Currently, Italy operates about 200 Ariete tanks, of which only 50 are fully functional. The focus on the creation of a new tank reflects Italy's goal of increasing its defense capabilities, in particular to fulfill its obligations to NATO.

The LRMV joint venture, announced in July, marks a significant step towards the consolidation of the European defense industry. The heads of Leonardo and Rheinmetall, Roberto Cingolani and Armin Papperger, emphasized the strategic importance of this alliance to support European defense. As military budgets in Europe increase, this partnership could capture a share of the expanding European market, which is forecast to exceed €50 billion in the coming years. The collaboration with Rheinmetall also allows Italy to provide almost 60% of the joint venture's activities domestically, with a prominent presence in Rome and operations in the port city of La Spezia.

Along with the development of the new main battle tank, LRMV will also focus on the Lynx platform for the program AICS (Armoured Infantry Combat System), part of Italy's wider plan to modernize land systems. Initial orders for these new vehicles are expected by late 2024 or early 2025, with first deliveries scheduled within the next two years.