According to reports from the Italian media, which have had access to documents associated with the programme, it currently plans the acquisition of 272 heavy vehicles, of which only 132 will be the combat variant (Leopard 2A8IT main battle tanks), while the remainder will be support vehicles (technical support vehicles, engineer tanks, assault bridges).
The total value of the programme is expected to reach EUR 8.2 billion. The project’s timeframe is estimated at approximately 14 years. The leader of the programme will be KNDS.
Italian industry to participate in the production of the Leopard 2A8IT tank
The Leopard 2A8IT tanks (as well as the accompanying vehicles) will be produced at the Leonardo facility in La Spezia, where an assembly line is already being established. The Leopard 2A8 procurement programme will pave the way for Italy’s participation in the Franco-German future combat vehicle programme, the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
The tanks for Italy will significantly differ from those ordered by the Bundeswehr, thanks to the extensive use of Italian-made components, such as elements of the NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture, the fire control system, and the battlefield management system produced by the Leonardo conglomerate.
These devices will be based on solutions used in the Centauro 2 tank destroyers and C2 Ariete tanks. The active protection system for the vehicle will also utilise elements of Italian origin – this will likely be a local modification of the Rafael Trophy system.
