PARIS, — June 2026 : IDV, a subsidiary of Leonardo, has introduced the CL2X, a next-generation hybrid uncrewed light tank developed to support modern land warfare operations by working directly alongside crewed armored vehicles. The vehicle made its public debut at the Eurosatory 2026 defense exhibition in Paris, highlighting the growing role of autonomous systems in future battlefield formations.
The unveiling comes as armed forces across Europe and NATO continue to explore new methods of integrating robotic platforms into combat units following lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine.
Leonardo Expands Autonomous Land Systems Portfolio
The CL2X is among the first major autonomous combat vehicle programs introduced by IDV since its acquisition by Leonardo. The transaction, completed earlier in 2026 and valued at approximately €1.7 billion, strengthened Leonardo’s position in the land systems sector.
IDV is already a well-established defense vehicle manufacturer, producing the SUPERAV amphibious armored vehicle, which serves as the foundation for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle (ACV) program. This experience provides the company with an established industrial base and expertise in armored vehicle development for both European and international customers.
Hybrid-Electric Combat Platform
The CL2X is a tracked uncrewed combat vehicle built around a series-hybrid propulsion system. The design combines an electric drive unit with a range-extender engine that is dedicated to recharging the vehicle’s onboard battery system rather than directly powering the tracks.
The vehicle is equipped with a 130 kWh energy storage system and delivers up to 500 kW of tractive power, enabling both mobility and silent operation capabilities.
Key Specifications
- Gross Weight: 16 tonnes
- Payload Capacity: Up to 5 tonnes
- Maximum Speed: 70 km/h
- Operational Range: Up to 500 km
- Silent Battery Mode Range: Approximately 30 km
- Length: Around 6 meters (including barrel)
- Width: 2.5 meters
- Hull Height: 1.8 meters
- Height with Turret: 2.5 meters
- Ground Clearance: 0.5 meters
The platform features hydro-pneumatic suspension, hydraulic braking systems, and can be configured with either rubber or steel tracks. By combining rubber tracks with battery-only propulsion, the CL2X can significantly reduce acoustic and thermal signatures, making detection by enemy sensors more difficult during specific phases of an operation.
The vehicle is also designed to navigate challenging terrain, with the ability to climb 60% gradients, traverse 30% side slopes, cross 2-meter trenches, negotiate 0.7-meter obstacles, and ford water up to 1.5 meters deep.
Armed with HITFIST 30 UL Turret
The demonstration vehicle displayed at Eurosatory was equipped with Leonardo’s HITFIST 30 UL (Uncrewed Light) turret, featuring the company’s proprietary 30 mm X-Gun cannon.
The weapon system can fire air-burst ammunition, allowing it to engage drones and other aerial threats more effectively than conventional direct-impact rounds. The turret also includes:
- 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun
- Smoke grenade launchers
- Provision for anti-tank guided missiles
- More than 150 ready-to-fire 30 mm rounds
The turret provides 360-degree traverse and elevation ranging from -10° to +70°, with the ability to reach +85° when performing counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) missions.
Targeting systems include stabilized day and thermal sights, electro-optical sensors, and a laser rangefinder, enabling engagement of targets in both day and night conditions.
A notable feature of the X-Gun is that it was developed entirely by Leonardo, meaning it is not subject to U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) restrictions, potentially simplifying export opportunities for international customers.
Designed for Manned-Unmanned Teaming
IDV has developed the CL2X around the concept of Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T), in which crewed armored vehicles command and coordinate multiple robotic systems on the battlefield.
Under this doctrine, the CL2X can perform missions such as:
- Direct fire support
- Reconnaissance and surveillance
- Counter-drone operations
- Flank security
- High-risk assault and screening missions
- Support for armored formations in contested areas
The concept aims to increase combat effectiveness while reducing risk to personnel by allowing uncrewed platforms to operate in the most dangerous areas of the battlefield.
MACE and ATLAS Enable Autonomous Operations
The CL2X supports remote control, teleoperation, and autonomous-ready functions through IDV’s MACE autonomy architecture and ATLAS navigation system.
The ATLAS system is specifically designed for operations in GNSS-denied environments, allowing vehicles to navigate even when GPS and satellite navigation signals are disrupted or jammed.
According to IDV, both systems can also be integrated into existing crewed vehicles, providing militaries with a pathway to introduce autonomous capabilities without replacing entire vehicle fleets.
Upgraded VIKING UGV Also Displayed
Alongside the CL2X, IDV showcased an upgraded version of its fifth-generation VIKING uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV).
The six-wheeled platform received an improved powertrain that extends its electric-only operating range to approximately 30 kilometers. The latest version also features the Janus-D mast-mounted electro-optical sensor suite, allowing the vehicle to conduct surveillance while remaining concealed behind terrain or obstacles.
Configurations displayed at the exhibition included:
- A Hitrole counter-drone weapon station
- A ground-launched precision anti-armor missile system
- Enhanced reconnaissance and surveillance packages
Growing Demand for Uncrewed Combat Vehicles
The introduction of the CL2X reflects broader trends within the global defense industry. Military planners have increasingly focused on autonomous and remotely operated systems after observing the effectiveness of drones, loitering munitions, anti-tank guided weapons, and extensive minefields in recent conflicts.
Speaking at Eurosatory, IDV CEO Claudio Catalano stated that uncrewed systems are becoming an essential element of future land warfare capabilities rather than a long-term objective.
The trend was also evident elsewhere at the exhibition. Patria and RENK unveiled a separate collaborative heavy uncrewed tracked vehicle concept featuring a digital drive-by-wire transmission intended for remote operation. Patria CEO Panu Routila noted that lessons from Ukraine have reinforced the need for autonomous battlefield systems capable of reducing risks to personnel while expanding operational flexibility.
Future Development
The CL2X remains in the demonstration and evaluation phase, with further testing expected as IDV and Leonardo continue to refine autonomous combat vehicle technologies. The platform is intended to support future military requirements for distributed operations, enhanced survivability, and integrated manned-unmanned combat formations.
With its hybrid-electric propulsion system, autonomous navigation capabilities, and modular weapon options, the CL2X represents IDV’s latest effort to position itself in the rapidly expanding market for next-generation uncrewed armored combat vehicles.
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