Italy launches 5.14 billion euro new main tank procurement plan

[Reporter Wu Zheyu/Comprehensive Report] The purchase of a new generation of main combat vehicles for the Italian Army has officially moved forward. The Italian Ministry of Defense has launched a procurement project worth 5.14 billion euros (approximately NT$185.58 billion) to purchase "New Main Battle Vehicles" (NMBTs) and derivative models to gradually replace the C1 "Ram" tanks that have been in service for more than 30 years. The new vehicle will be equipped with a 120mm smoothbore gun, an automatic loading system and a 30mm remote-controlled turret that can counter drones. It will also retain the ability to upgrade the 130mm main gun in the future.

The military news website "Defence Blog" reported that according to the procurement records released by the Italian National Anti-Corruption Agency (ANAC) database on the 21st, the Land Weapons and Equipment Bureau of the Ministry of National Defense is responsible for covering new combat vehicles and their derivatives. However, public documents have not yet listed suppliers, actual purchase quantities and delivery schedules.

The report pointed out that the project, called NMBT, was developed by Leonardo Rheinmetall Military Vehicles (LRMV), a 50-50 joint venture between Leonardo of Italy and Rheinmetall of Germany. 60% of the work will be performed in Italy, including final assembly, testing, delivery and logistical support. Rheinmetall is mainly responsible for vehicle platforms, while Leonardo is responsible for electronics and weapons systems.

LRMV unveiled the NMBT concept demonstration vehicle for the first time at the "European International Defense Exhibition" in Paris in June this year. The design is based on the Rheinmetall KF51 "Leopard" combat vehicle, but it will be developed independently according to the needs of the Italian Army. The verification vehicle temporarily uses the "Leopard 2A4" chassis and new turret, while the mass-produced version will be equipped with a new chassis to improve maneuverability and protection performance.

In terms of firepower, the NMBT will be equipped with a 120 mm smoothbore cannon and an automatic loading system, which can accommodate 20 rounds of ready-to-fire shells, and reserves the option of installing a 130 mm main gun in the future. The turret is also equipped with a 12.7 mm machine gun and a 30 mm remote-controlled turret, which can be used to attack drones. The display vehicle even integrates a small airborne attack ammunition launcher to further expand the vehicle's reconnaissance and strike range.

The new car will replace the C1 "Ram" that was in service in the mid-1990s and is currently undergoing a C2 upgrade. Previous reports pointed out that Italy needs about 132 NMBTs, and the procurement is expected to start after 2027, with the overall plan to be completed by 2038.

In addition to NMBT, Italy will also develop the "Army Armored Combat System" (A2CS) based on the Rheinmetall "Lynx" infantry fighting vehicle, with a scale of more than 1,000 vehicles, covering 16 configurations, including air defense, reconnaissance and anti-tank vehicle models. This shows that Italy is simultaneously promoting large-scale generational updates of main combat vehicles and armored forces.