IL NUOVO CARRO ARMATO ITALIANO è UNA GRANDE SCOMMESSA (e dobbiamo crederci)

What you see is the new Italian tank presented at Eurosatory by the joint venture between Leonardo and Rheinmetall, a 50-50 collaboration between Italy and Germany aimed at developing a new generation of heavy vehicles for the international market. In addition to the tank, Italian industry also showcased other innovations. The Iveco Oto Melara Consortium exhibited a model of the future wheeled self-propelled howitzer, while IDV presented a new family of UGVs, unmanned ground vehicles designed based on lessons learned from modern conflicts. Alongside the new MBT, the A2CS prototype was also on display, a vehicle that deserves a dedicated analysis. The debate focused primarily on the turret. Its dimensions stem from the Italian Army's choice to adopt a manned turret configuration, a more traditional solution than fully remote turrets. Many also discussed the space between the turret and the hull and the "short trap" phenomenon. According to experts, with modern APFSDS munitions, the risk of a kinetic projectile ricocheting and penetrating the hull is considered extremely low. On the armament front, the vehicle is expected to adopt the new Leonardo 120/55 mm cannon with an automatic loader, while also maintaining the provision for a future upgrade to the 130 mm caliber. The turret roof also features a Hitrole C-UAS turret armed with the Blazer 30 gun, designed to counter drones and other emerging threats. Among the most interesting features are the new New Attila optics, the provision for the use of drones and circling munitions, and the Stealth Watch mode, which allows the sensors to remain active for several hours with the engine off. The declared weight in the fully configured configuration is 69.5 tons, although the vehicle on display could be lighter. The final solution adopted for the propulsion system remains unclear. #Tank #MBT #Eurosatory2026 #Leonardo #Rheinmetall #Defense #ItalianArmy #Tank #A2CS #KF51 #Leopard2 #Vulcano120 #Hitrole #Blazer30 #CUAS #MilitaryDrones #UGV #MilitaryTechnology #DefenseIndustry #MadeInItaly #Geopolitics #MilitaryTechnology #GensItalia