Italy’s 14-year Leopard 2 A8 IT tank project is underway in La Spezia, according to reports in Italian media. This pioneering project is currently being discussed in the Italian Parliament.
Details of the project’s progress extracted from conversations in Congress suggest that the draft ministerial order giving the green light for implementation of the Leopard 2 A8 IT tank program is currently under consideration in relevant committees in the House of Representatives and the Senate. ing.
The program has a staggering budget of €8.246 billion, of which more than €4 billion has already been allocated. Spanning over 14 years, this long-term strategy includes plans to introduce 132 combat tanks and a further 140 specialized tanks designed for a variety of missions such as engineering and repair.
Reports on the ground intimate that these Leopard 2A8 tanks will be manufactured locally on the La Spezia production line, which has already started production. This production line is expected to include custom features to meet equipment needs.
Insiders also attest that the production line employs standard NGVA. [NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture] It is equipped with an Italian-made guidance system, combat control system, and optics provided by Leonardo. Expert observers expect that Italy’s familiarity with his Centuro 2 and Ariete C2 tanks will help in the construction of new tanks.
The effective implementation of this plan is in line with the broader plan to strengthen Italy’s skills supply chain in the tracking sector, thanks in part to Ariete C2. With the introduction of A2CS [Army Armored Combat System] With the MGCS (Main Ground Combat System), Italy is in a position to strengthen its strategic base. These feasibility studies are expected to begin soon.
The current agreement is a result of the cooperation of all parties involved, including Mr. Leonardo, IDV, CIO, and Klaus Maffei Wegmann (with whom Mr. Leonardo already has a strategic agreement) (Mr. Leonardo is responsible for the Leopard 2A8 initiative). The purpose is to stabilize.and Rheinmetall [tasked with the special variants and supplying Leopard 2A8 glazing] – Not yet concrete.
What do we know about Leopard 2A8?
The Leopard 2A8 is a recent development that traces its roots back to the 2A7HU type ordered by Hungary in 2018, and brings promising upgrades. Chief among them is the integration of the Trophy active protection system. [APS] From the famous Israeli company Rafael. This ingenious system is able to intercept incoming projectiles before they impact the tank. Additionally, his 120 mm L55 smoothbore gun, previously seen on his 2A7+, is introduced. It is worth noting that the L55 has an advantage over the previous L44 due to its superior muzzle velocity.
If you’re wondering about crew comfort, you’re in for a surprise. This future-proof tank is equipped with a state-of-the-art cooling system. In addition, enhanced auxiliary generators and external telephones increase capabilities to bridge communication gaps with dismounted units.
Drivers of the 2A8 will not suffer from visibility issues while driving at night. Thanks to a combined night vision system that perfectly combines a thermal imager and a low-light amplifier, the driver can clearly see ahead and behind.
Step into the digital age with the 2A8’s advanced optronics. You can see what’s happening in the distance more broadly and more accurately. More importantly, the digital controls are easier to operate. The command and information system has been upgraded from its predecessor and provides a decisive advantage in the field. Additionally, the ability to fire programmable explosive munitions balances efficiency with minimizing collateral damage.
Italy is number 1
The Italian Ministry of Defense was a pioneer, setting a precedent for the future by pledging to begin producing and entering service with the Leopard 2A8 tank before Germany. However, there is more to this story. Interest in these tanks is not limited to Italy, several other European countries are also intrigued. You might think the Netherlands would be next to buy the Leopard 2A8, but last-minute budget complications derailed the Dutch procurement plan.
Consider a few days ago, when Dutch Defense Minister Kaisa Ollongren revealed some eye-opening information during a parliamentary Q&A. It turns out that the current Dutch defense budget is not large enough to accommodate a Leopard 2A8 tank battalion. Please understand that the total expected cost, including tank price, maintenance and labor costs, is a staggering 315 million euros per year for 15 years.
Ultimately, according to Ollongren, acquiring the Leopard 2A8 battalion would require a significant increase in the Dutch defense budget. This is no simple matter, given that military spending already planned for 2024 amounts to a hefty 21.4 billion euros.
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