Germany is set to collaborate with Italy, Spain, and Sweden to develop a replacement for its Leopard 2 main battle tank. Berlin had initially planned a similar project with France, but the initiative faced delays. The new program has already been signed by the four nations, according to unnamed sources in the industry and politics. German arms manufacturers Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Rheinmetall will partner with Italy’s Leonardo and Sweden’s Saab for the project.
Although the Spanish partner has not been named, it is expected that all four countries will work together to design and manufacture the new tank. The European Defense Fund is expected to provide financial backing for the project, estimated at hundreds of millions of euros. However, the official confirmation of this information is still pending.
Germany is already working on the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) project with France to develop a successor to the Leopard 2 tank. The goal of the project is to create a new tank that will supersede France’s Leclerc armor. Although the project was announced in 2017, it has faced several delays. Despite these setbacks, those involved in the project remain optimistic and have assured that it is still on track.
The collaboration between Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden seeks to enhance Europe’s defense capabilities and reduce reliance on weapons systems from the United States. In addition to the new tank, the countries also announced a plan to develop a next-generation fighter jet.
The MGCS project aims to create a comprehensive platform for land warfare, incorporating multiple weapon systems derived from it. However, the project has encountered obstacles due to disagreements over specifications. The French military is particularly interested in obtaining lighter vehicles that are more suitable for air transportation and operations in Africa. On the other hand, Germany is focused on developing a tank that provides better protection for potential confrontations with Russia.
Despite challenges and rumors of potential disruptions, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius and French counterpart Sebastien Lecornu reaffirmed their commitment to the project during a meeting in Berlin. Both ministers expressed their determination to make progress on the MGCS by the end of the year.
The partnership between Germany, Italy, Spain, and Sweden represents a significant step towards strengthening European defense capabilities and fostering collaboration among EU member states. This joint project demonstrates the commitment of these countries to develop advanced and technologically advanced military equipment, ensuring their security and autonomy in the face of evolving global challenges.
Source link
