On December 13, 2023, Italian defense company Leonardo and Franco-German defense consortium KNDS (KMW and Nexter Defence Systems) finalized an agreement for the Italian Leopard 2A8 procurement program. According to RID, this collaboration includes the acquisition of 300 Leopard 2A8 vehicles, comprising the 2A8IT Main Battle Tank (MBT) and various engineering vehicles based on the same platform.
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Concept of the future Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tank (MBT) displayed at the IDET 2023 exhibition (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The official signing of this alliance took place at the Segredifesa headquarters and solidified the partnership between Leonardo and the Franco-German defense consortium KNDS (KMW and Nexter Defence System). This pact, endorsed by the CEOs of both companies, Roberto Cingolani for Leonardo and Frank Haun for KNDS, in coordination with the Italian Ministry of Defense, aims to promote joint initiatives between Italy and Germany.
These initiatives aim to strengthen their industrial foundations and contribute to the development of next-generation armored vehicle platforms. They include the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS), the procurement of Leopard 2A8 tanks, new infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) under the AICS program, and combat support systems for the Italian Armed Forces.
Regarding the Leopard 2A8 procurement program, Leonardo and KNDS will collaborate in the development, production, and maintenance of the Leopard 2A8 for the Italian Army. This includes the 2A8 Main Battle Tank (MBT) and various engineering vehicles based on the same platform, such as recovery, bridge-laying, and engineer vehicles. The outcome of this partnership is the creation of an "Italianized" Leopard 2A8IT, equipped with Leonardo's fire control systems, communication apparatus, command and control systems, and potential elements of the turret.
In light of the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Italy seeks to enhance its land forces, as outlined in the Documento Programmatico Difesa (DPD) 2023-2025. Currently, Italy has 200 Ariete tanks, with only 50 in operational condition. To meet NATO's needs, the country plans to acquire over 250 battle tanks, including both new Leopard 2 and upgraded C1 Ariete AMV tanks.
As reported by Army Recognition on July 14, 2023, Italy aims to acquire at least 125 new Leopard 2A7/2A8 tanks to enhance the combat capabilities of Italy's armored forces. These forces currently rely on C1 Ariete and Leopard 1 platforms and their derivatives. This modernization effort prioritizes protection, lethality, mobility, interoperability, and logistic sustainability. The total projected cost for this program is €8,246.0 million, with €4,090.0 million already funded over 14 years.
Simultaneously, efforts are underway to modernize Italy's primary Main Battle Tank (MBT), the C1 Ariete, which has been in service for several years. The recent upgrade program, known as the Mid-Life Update (AMV), will apply to 125 tanks, with a budget allocation of €848.8 million for 2022.
The Leopard 2A8 Main Battle Tank (MBT) is an updated version within the Leopard 2 family of tanks, incorporating advanced armor protection through the use of multi-layered armor technology. The tank is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun, which offers improved accuracy, range, and penetration compared to earlier versions, along with a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun.
The Leopard 2A8's enhanced armor includes a combination of materials such as steel, tungsten, composite filler, and ceramics. Compared to earlier versions, the 2A8 will be equipped with the Trophy Active Protection System (APS), known as EuroTrophy, which includes radar systems for threat detection and responsive countermeasures. The tank is powered by a 1,600 hp engine, providing a top road speed of 70 km/h and an operational range of around 450 kilometers.
The tank's combat equipment includes thermal imaging modules, laser rangefinders, ballistic computers, and a 360-degree commander's panoramic periscope, enhancing its targeting capabilities. Safety features consist of an NBC overpressurization system for protection against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats, as well as a fire protection system.
