Leonardo’s Post

What has been longly rumoured has finally become reality. Following the derailment of the negotiations to procure Leopard 2A8 MBTs from #KNDS, the Italian firm #Leonardo turned to the German #Rheinmetall to develop the Italian next land systems. Today, the two firms signed a MoU to establish a new 50:50 joint venture aimed at developing a new generation of land vehicles for the Italian Army’s ground systems programs, namely the highly anticipated new Main Battle Tank (which does not seem to coincide 100% with the already-known version of Rheinmetall’s #PANTHER) and the innovative #Lynx Platform for the Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS). Both are intended for the Italian Army (#EI) but developed with an international export perspective (not a secondary aspect). Equally importantly, the developed technologies will constitute the base for designing the future European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) and the new versions dedicated to international export.

Under the auspices of the Italian Ministry of Defense (Ministero della Difesa), Leonardo and Krauss-Maffei Wegmann GmbH & Co. KG have signed an agreement for further development of a more intensive cooperation. The aim is to create a truly European Defense Group and, in addition, to cooperate more closely in the field of land based electronics. Such a strategic alliance will enable the implementation of programs in cooperation among European nations, by strengthening their national industrial base and developing the future generation of armored vehicle platforms, including Main Ground Combat System (MGCS).   This alliance supports the strategy defined by the Italian MoD in the Documento Programmatico Difesa 2023-2025 and in the Action Plan of the Agreement recently signed by the Governments of Italy and Germany. https://lnkd.in/dpqvjWJy                #LDO_PR

Leonardo and Rheinmetall have signed today a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a new 50:50 joint venture aimed at developing a European industrial and technological approach in the field of land defense systems. The objective of the agreement is the industrial development and subsequent commercialization of the new Main Battle Tank (MBT) and the new Lynx Platform for the Armoured Infantry Combat System (AICS), within the Italian Army’s ground systems programs. Final assembly lines, homologation testing, delivering activities and the logistic support will be done in Italy with an Italian workshare of 60%. In particular, the future joint venture – headquartered in Italy – will be the Lead System Integrator, prime-contractor and system integrator, in both the Italian programs (MBT and AICS) and will define the roadmap for the participation in the future European Main Ground Combat System (MGCS). Read more here: https://lnkd.in/d3UKigsQ #Rheinmetall #Leonardo #Italy #Germany #Lynx #MBT #tank #defence #industry #military #technology #cooperation #MGCS

How can civilian technology be utilised for military programmes? Rolls-Royce Deutschland shows us how. At yesterday's national #FCASSummit 2023 in Berlin, Head of Defence for Future Programmes Germany Rene Bernstein presented a national power and propulsion concept - the Advance2 core - for unmanned combat systems as part of the Next Generation Weapon System. Combining exceptional design with advanced proven technology, the Advance2 core is the most powerful and efficient core engine technology in its class. A state-of-the-art solution for heavy remote carriers known as Wingman, the Advance2 core engine can be viewed as the backbone of future advanced propulsion systems of future larger-class uncrewed weapon systems. Rene Bernstein discusses this world-class solution in more detail and the need for Germany to implement this approach to strengthen defence capabilities: https://ow.ly/OLu350QgIWT #innovation #Rolls-Royce #technology #defence

Conceptual USAF future fighter: A Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) combat fighter will replace the F-22A Raptor and will form the centerpiece of the network-connected NGAD family of systems. The sixth-generation NGAD will feature a design for very low observability optimized for range, payload, and low-observability (stealth) but, not necessarily extreme agility. Its mission will be to operate as part of a highly integrated, deep-penetrating team of systems operating with collaborative uncrewed aerial systems. The USAF intends to initially procure 200 NGAD fighters and up to 1,000 uncrewed CCAs (Collaborative Combat Aircraft). This provides the assignment of two CCA platforms for each NGAD fighter and two for each of the 300 F-35 fifth-generation fighters in the projected fleet. A down select and contract award could occur in 2024. Erik Simonsen illustration

Integration of advanced technologies like the REVOLVER system expands the C-17’s mission capabilities in the modern military landscape.

A Rocket Assisted Zero-Length Launch System (RZL) is a method used to launch aircraft, particularly military fighter jets, without the need for a traditional runway. In this system, rockets are attached to the aircraft, providing the necessary thrust for takeoff. The launch takes place from a specially designed platform, allowing the aircraft to take off vertically or with an extremely short ground roll. RZL systems are advantageous in confined spaces, such as aircraft carriers or small airfields, where a full runway is unavailable or impractical. By utilizing rocket assistance, these launches enable military aircraft to achieve the required takeoff speed quickly and efficiently, enhancing operational flexibility and strategic deployment options for defense forces.

Valerii Zaluzhnyi seeks different sources and ways to generate military force. He thinks the 2nd and 3rd generation industrial ability is too fragile in Europe and seeks more agile, weaponizable, and scalable payloads and platforms to create impact in adversary's national system. How the defence industry is addressing these modern needs? Are European defence forces trying to build symmetric military capabilities to counter Russian strengths? "Our combat experience, particularly since 2022, is unique – but in the interests of victory, we must constantly find new ways and new capabilities to help us gain an advantage over the enemy. Perhaps the number one priority here is mastery of an entire arsenal of (relatively) cheap, modern and highly effective, unmanned vehicles and other technological means." https://lnkd.in/ezg8P8uN

Today’s #military is increasingly connected and #network-enabled. But modern weapons systems, platforms, and service members could be flying blind if near-peer adversaries deny or degrade #signals and #communications networks. In the latest article on The Modern Battlespace, Sasha Oster of Collins Aerospace explains why directional communication is needed on the #battlefield of the future. https://lnkd.in/ejgqr9E2 #militarytechnology #militarytech

Today’s #military is increasingly connected and #network-enabled. But modern weapons systems, platforms, and service members could be flying blind if near-peer adversaries deny or degrade #signals and #communications networks. In the latest article on The Modern Battlespace, Sasha Oster of Collins Aerospace explains why directional communication is needed on the #battlefield of the future. https://lnkd.in/dfzHZxKy #militarytechnology #militarytech