Panther: Leonardo and Rheinmetall RELEASE TANK NUMBERS for the ITALIAN ARMY

In recent weeks, some rumors have emerged regarding the ITA-MBT program, which includes the Panther tank. Below is a brief, unpretentious overview of the vehicle. The Panther KF51, developed by Rheinmetall, is a next-generation tank officially presented in 2022 at the Eurosatory defense exhibition. It is based on the Leopard 2 platform. Its main armament is a 130 mm cannon from Rheinmetall, while the vehicle has a coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun as a secondary armament. Integrated systems, such as circling drones and anti-tank missiles, are also planned. In addition to armor, the vehicle, which weighs approximately 60 tons, is equipped with active protection systems. However, the tank will undergo significant modifications thanks to the Italian-German joint venture between Leonardo and Rheinmetall. As previously reported, after the presentation at the Nettuno firing range, attended by representatives from industry, the defense sector, and several journalists, the numbers and information initially leaked proved to be partially incorrect compared to what was officially revealed. Regarding the AICS program with the Lynx vehicle, I invite you to consult the dedicated episode, as the numbers have remained unchanged. Today, we're focusing on the latest developments in the Panther program, as RID has provided a detailed report that also addresses some of your concerns. *THE REAL NUMBERS* Let's start with the numbers: initially, there was talk of over 300 units, but that number has since been reduced. Currently, production is planned for 271 vehicles, divided into 132 MBTs and 140 tanks for essential and vital logistics, including vehicles such as bridge-laying tanks. The MBTs that Italy will acquire are not expected to exceed 257 combat tanks, including the ARIETE, which, as you know, are subject to upgrades. *THE BARREL* Another important factor concerns the gun. The doubts over the choice between 120 mm and 130 mm appear to have been resolved. Although it is possible to integrate the 130 mm, the 120 mm L55A1 gun will be used, an improved version of the gun used on the Leopard 2A6. Eugenio Po, of Rivista Italiana Difesa, points out that the weapon is equipped with a chamber capable of withstanding higher pressures, allowing the use of DM-72 APFSDS ammunition, as well as other ammunition currently under development. Furthermore, the Panther will use Vulcano ammunition, designed for the 120 mm, which allows for safe guidance to the target, limiting collateral damage and offering obvious advantages. Rheinmetall will handle the automatic loading. In this regard, it is useful to delve deeper into the related industries and the Italianization of the vehicle. *WORK DIVISION* The Germans will produce 52 of the 132 planned 120 mm guns, as well as half of the hulls and other components, such as the active protection system (APS). Leonardo will be responsible for 80 120 mm L55A1 guns and the license-built construction of half of the hulls. The Italian portion will also include the onboard system, passive protection, and other fire control elements, which will benefit from experience gained on vehicles such as the Centauro 2. An interesting aspect concerns the vehicle's engine, for which an evolution of the VECTOR V12 engine already installed on the ARIETE C-2 appears to have been chosen, which will need to be adapted to the new vehicle. IDV will have a 12-15% share, focusing on the engines, with the Bolzano facility also responsible for armor plating, while the Vittorio Veneto facility will be involved in welding. Iveco, which has recently attracted widespread attention for its potential sale of its defense business to a third party, will also be the focus of much attention in April, when, together with Oto Melara, it will supply nearly 100 Centauro 2s to Brazil. However, to avoid exaggeration, we're holding off on further commentary on corporate matters, pending the Italian company's continued participation at the IDEX trade show in the United Arab Emirates, where it will showcase the Superav amphibious vehicle, in collaboration with BAE Systems. Iveco and BAE have been collaborating since 2018, supplying hundreds of vehicles to the Marine Corps. *ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON RID* As we've often told you, we're constantly receiving details, and we'll be updating you. If you'd like to delve deeper into the technical details, please see the RID-03/25 article. For the AICS program, you can find videos on the channel.