A senior Leonardo official told Defense News that Italy would make electro-optical systems, communication systems and possibly gun barrels for the German-supplied tanks. A letter of intent was signed between Leonardo and KNDS for localisation and a few other subjects.
Leonardo is known to manufacture electro-optical and communication systems for various platforms from land to sea. What systems will be used hasn’t been announced.
The company also manufactures the 120 mm L/45 smoothbore gun for the HITFACT MKII turret used on the Centauro II fire support vehicle. The gun was also used for a proposed M60A3 MBT upgrade package. Thus, Leonardo indeed has the capabilities on the shelf for component localisation.
The letter of intent also covers Italy joining the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) programme, led by France and Germany, to develop a new MBT and Italy’s IFV procurement programme A2CS worth $5.4 billion for up to 1000 IFVs.
Leonardo also aims for a structural alliance with KNDS, akin to the multi-national MBDA consortium, where member countries individually or jointly develop missiles, and the products are marketed under the MBDA brand.
Italy to Localise Its Future Leopard 2A8 MBTs
