Leonardo and Rheinmetall have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new 50:50 joint venture aimed at developing a European industrial and technological approach in the field of land defense systems. The aim of the agreement is the industrial development and subsequent marketing of the new main battle tank and the new Lynx platform for the Armored Infantry Combat System (AICS) as part of the Italian Army’s combat system programs.
“Together we want to set new standards and open the door for a new generation of state-of-the-art combat vehicles in and for Europe.
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Rheinmetall-Chef Armin Papperger
Armin Papperger, CEO of Rheinmetall AG: “With Leonardo and Rheinmetall, two leading European suppliers of defence technology are coming together to realize ambitious projects. Together we want to set new standards and open the door to a new generation of state-of-the-art combat vehicles in and for Europe. In doing so, we are addressing the Italian market as well as other partner countries that have a need for modernization in the field of combat systems.” https://militaeraktuell.at/bundesheer-black-hawk-sikorsky-kauf-offiziell/ Roberto Cingolani, CEO of Leonardo: “The technological and industrial synergies between Leonardo and Rheinmetall are a unique opportunity to develop state-of-the-art main battle tanks and infantry vehicles. We see this agreement as a fundamental contribution to the creation of a common European defense space.”
“We see this agreement as a fundamental contribution to the creation of a common European defense space.
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Leonardo-CEO Roberto Cingolani
The future Italian-based joint venture will act as prime contractor and systems integrator for the two Italian programs (MBT and AICS) and will define the roadmap for Leonardo’s eventual participation in the future European Main Battle System (MGCS). Within the MBT and AICS programs, Leonardo will develop and produce mission systems, electronics and weapon integration according to the requirements of the Italian customer. Even in the event of Italian participation in MGCS, the technologies will form a possible basis for the development of the future European main battle tank and the new versions intended for international export. With the newly developed Panther main battle tank (-> Rheinmetall presents its new Panther) and the new Lynx infantry fighting vehicle, Rheinmetall has the corresponding basic technology on which both programs can be built.
Final assembly lines, homologation tests, delivery activities and logistical support will be carried out in Italy, where 60 percent of the work will be carried out. Rheinmetall already operates three subsidiaries in Italy with a total of around 1,400 employees at five locations. The implementation of the signed Memorandum of Understanding is subject to prior approval by the relevant regulatory authorities, including the European Commission and the respective national competition authorities.
Here for more news about Leonardo and here to further reports about Rheinmetall.
