Italian Parliament greenlights £7.85bn tank deal in major boost for European defence
As highlighted by the German portal hartpunkt, this signifies the approval of the Italian Ministry of Defence's proposal to purchase 132 Leopard 2A8 tanks and 140 support vehicles on its chassis for £7.19 billion. The agreement envisages extensive involvement of Italian industry, with the Leonardo company expected to be the formal contractor.
This contract is earmarked for execution in two stages. The first stage is set to commence this year and will conclude by 2026. It will involve the establishment of a production line in La Spezia, linked to the pre-production of the tanks and their subsequent approval. The second stage spans the years 2027-2037, during which time, it is anticipated that 132 tanks and 140 support vehicles will be manufactured.
The Italians' version of these tanks will differ from their German equivalents in several respects, notably in the deployment of the Leonardo fire control system found in the updated C1 Ariete tanks and the Centauro II wheeled fire support vehicle. It's highly likely that other distinct components, such as communication systems or additional generators to power the tank's onboard electronics with the main engine turned off, are also included, thus significantly reducing the tank's thermal signature when at a standstill.
Leopard 2A8 - a revamped Leopard 2 for challenging times
The Leopard 2A8 tanks represent the apex of European defence industry endeavours. They differ from their forebears by integrating the advanced Israeli Trophy active defence system, which is also employed in the American M1A2 SEP V2/3 Abrams tanks.
Created by Rafael, the Trophy system comprises radars fitted to the tank turret and countermeasure launchers, which aim to eliminate incoming objects, irrespective of whether they are anti-tank missiles or shaped charge rotary ammunition. Upon detecting an object, a countermeasure is launched with a blast-kinetic penetrator that destroys the object well before it hits the tank's armour.
Integration with the Trophy system is particularly crucial as tanks, driven by weight restrictions, have the thickest armour at the front, while the sides, rear, and top are considerably weaker. Anti-tank gunners and drone pilots often attempt to exploit this vulnerability, a tactic frequently observed, for instance, in Ukraine.
In addition, the Leopard 2A8 utilises state-of-the-art optoelectronics and communication systems. Its turret roof has been reinforced to bolster protection from cluster ammunition. A solution akin to the armour matting used in Puma infantry fighting vehicles and PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers may have been implemented here.
Owing to these enhancements, the Leopard 2A8 tank is thoroughly equipped for the modern battlefield, promising to remain viable for several decades until the envisioned tank of the future, which will be the outcome of the MGCS program, becomes a reality for numerous European armed forces.
