“KNDS and LEONARDO Unite for a Powerful Strategic Partnership”
Under the guidance of the Italian Ministry of Defense, Leonardo and KNDS have formalized a pact for enhanced collaboration. The objective is to establish a genuine European Defense Coalition and, furthermore, to strengthen their partnership in the domain of land-based electronics.
This strategic partnership will facilitate the execution of initiatives in conjunction with European nations, reinforcing their national industrial infrastructure and advancing the next generation of armored vehicle platforms, including the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).
This collaboration aligns with the strategy outlined by the Italian MoD in the Documento Programmatico Difesa 2023-2025 and in the Action Plan of the Agreement recently ratified by the Governments of Italy and Germany.
Moreover, Leonardo and KNDS have also established an Agreement to collaboratively execute the anticipated Main Battle Tank (MBT) acquisition initiative featuring a solution based on the LEOPARD 2 A8. The firms will cooperate in the development, production, and upkeep of the LEOPARD 2 A8 solution for the Italian Army, along with support infrastructures.
The partnership between Leonardo and KNDS endeavors to foster additional production and development capabilities within Italy, aiming to leverage these for forthcoming European and export projects.
The Italian Ministry of Defence is currently advancing two significant initiatives for the modernization of its Land Forces: firstly, the acquisition of the LEOPARD MBT along with support vehicles, and secondly, new Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFV) under the programme name AICS, in addition to combat support systems.
